The Saga at the Penguin Continues
Current Issue — By Todd Trimakas on September 21, 2010 at 9:25 pmPress Release
Contact: Jimmy King
Phone: (704) 491-8012
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 20, 2010
Penguin Drive-in changes ownership
charlotte, Nc, September 20, 2010: The Penguin Drive-In is changing ownership after 10 years of business in the Plaza Midwood neighborhood. The popular restaurant was leased to current partners Jimmy King and Brian Rowe in 2000, who took the spot from relative obscurity to a thriving hotspot known for their handmade burgers and fried pickles. The Penguin has won numerous awards and received national recognition, including a feature on the Food Network’s series Diners, Drive-ins and Dives. The building’s original owners, the Ballentine family, will not renew the current lease and will retain ownership in the building and the Penguin Drive- In name.
Partners King and Rowe have announced plans to provide many signature items in their new venture, The Diamond Restaurant. The Diamond is a joint venture that includes Andy Kastanas of Soul Gastrolounge. Located at 1901 Commonwealth, The Diamond is currently undergoing extensive renovations with plans to open as a 24-hour diner in late October.
Partner Jimmy King states, “We wish the Ballentine family the best in their endeavors and thank all of our patrons for 10 years of incredible loyalty. We remain firmly committed to this neighborhood. Regardless of The Penguin’s future, we will remain in Plaza Midwood and continue to provide the quality of food and service that we have since re-opening The Penguin in 2000.”
The Penguin Drive-In will cease to operate under the current ownership effective October 24th
Tags: Charlotte, magazine, plaza midwood, the penguin, Uptown Charlotte, uptown magazine, Uptown Restaurants
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1 Comment
It totally blows that the Penguin as I’ve known it will be no more–definitely wont be supporting the takeover, which from the outside seems just a bid to profit on the hard work of others. Still, it’s great to hear that the Diamond will have new life and I can’t think of a better group of guys to give it to the old gal.
I do wonder though. I understand they don’t own the name, but it seems like the menu item names, recipes, and the LOGO would all be the current management’s intellectual property. So i hope Jimmy and Brian take the sign down before they go and wheel the jukebox down the street. Force the new management to start over with all new branding.