Save the Penguin

Share your voice, spread the word, show your support and keep the soul of a Charlotte landmark alive.

What’s happening to the Penguin?

The Penguin Drive-In as we know it will only be a fond memory as of October 24.

Current owners Brian Rowe and Jimmy King are being forced out by Ballentine Family Investments – the owners of both the building where the Penguin resides and the iconic name – when their lease expires at the end of the month.

Why it’s wrong

The Penguin is more than a favorite neighborhood dive. It’s a Charlotte landmark. It’s the very embodiment of the eclectic Plaza Midwood community it serves.

It is rare to drive by the Penguin and not see a line extending down the sidewalk as diners wait in eager anticipation of the Full-blown Hemi, fried pickles, hand-dipped corn dogs and grilled homemade pimento cheese.

Now this faithful tribe of fans and fanatics will be left without a home, as Ballentine Family Investments looks to cash in on the popularity of a name that Brian and Jimmy worked for a decade to build. Their plans are to restructure and franchise the Penguin, hoping to replicate the success of the one-of-a-kind original.

What can be done?

Ballantine Family Investments might own the building and the name, but they don’t own the spirit of the Penguin.

We can still keep the soul of the Penguin alive!

Follow Brian Rowe and Jimmy King to The Diamond, their new restaurant which will open in October just around the corner from the Penguin.
Share this page with your friends on Facebook and Twitter so everyone knows the wrongs that have been done and the opportunity that exists to help make it right.
Sound off below to show your support for Brian and Jimmy.

Let’s carry the torch for authentic local culture and make The Diamond a great success!

Sound Off

recent comments

Hilary Foxxx - Charlotte in front of a computer:

It really sickens me to think this is way greedy people treat people with real talent making food. I'll be laughing my ass off when I see the penguin boarded up with a for sale sign on it.

Charlie Brown - Charlotte:

I will: Boycott the new Penguin. Shun friends and acquaintances who go there. Same for Pinky's.

Penguin friend

If i remember correctly, the spirit of the penguin rest. started with the Ballentines to begin with. The so called current renters or leasees only continued the history.

Nik R. - Atlanta:

Anybody know--have Brian Rowe and Jimmy King got the Diamond up and running? If so, I\'ll have to stop in next time I\'m in Charlotte. -- RIP Penguin

Nik R. - Atlanta:

Anybody know--have Brian Rowe and Jimmy King got the Diamond up and running? If so, I'll have to stop in next time I'm in Charlotte. -- RIP Penguin

JOHN DOE - CHARLOTTE:

ALL THIS TALK ABOUT BRIAN AND JIMMY ,WHAT ABOUT THE FUCKING GUY THAT MADE THE MENU 'GREG AUTEN ,JIMMY AND BRIAN HAD NOTHING TO DO WITH THE FOOD!!!!!!!!!!!THE FOOD NETWORK WAS THERE FOR WHAT YOU DUMB ASSES THE FOOD!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!1111

Mark - Charlotte, NC:

A line comes to mind, \"Whatever you build, we will destroy\". This has been the mantra of the elite in reference to the proletariat. Common people make an excellent rug.

Mark - Charlotte, NC:

A line comes to mind, "Whatever you build, we will destroy". This has been the mantra of the elite in reference to the proletariat. Common people make an excellent rug.

J.C. - Merry Oaks Neighborhood:

ONE more thing... LONG LIVE THE DIAMOND RESTAURANT!

J.C. - Merry Oaks Neighborhood:

Down with the "new" Penguin! I am native to Charlotte, and I am disgusted with Charlotte's greedy,thieving,corporate-take-over behavior! It is simply sickening to know people who will willing jump on the coattails of others' hard work and fame, steal it, and try to call it their own. Typical corporate behavior. I know a ton of people who will officially BOYCOTT the Penguin effective: 10/24/10~ FOREVER!!! It is really sad to see my city change so much, all in the name of lazy greed. The Ballentine family has no interest in loyalty or preserving their father's legacy, they only care about cashing-in. John Nichols realty group is also to blame for this travesty because he's sleeping with our enemy-Ballentine family. This "new" ship will sink, and we all will be watching and laughing the entire( short-lived) time. Damn you Ballentines, John Nichols/Martin,(new) Penguin Restaurant! You all will burn and live to regret this one. I can't wait to watch this happen to you! NO ONE I KNOW WILL EVER SUPPORT YOUR NEW ENDEAVOR. P.S. Damn "Pinky's"(Greg, Andy, Dave) west side-you bunch of backstabbing liars can burn in BOYCOTT ECSTASY, too. BOYCOTT: PINKY'S/PENGUIN

Rebecca Tatarsky - Seattle, WA:

I recently visited my sister in Charlotte and the penguin was the first place she took me! I loved the homegrown atmosphere and the pimento cheese sandwich rocked. I am planning to move to Charlotte in the near future and want to reassure the owners that I will never visit the proposed "penguin" corporate restaurant, but will follow the trail of delicious handmade pimento cheese to the Diamond. Good Luck!!!

Bob Wyatt - Oakhurst:

This f-in blows. Will be at the Diamond, though.

Sick of Franchises - Charlotte, NC:

Why would we want another plastic gimmicky dime a dozen restaurant? Jimmy and Brian made the Penguin a destination point, now it will be just another franchise to pass by and ignore. Will they yell "Welcome to the Penguin!" if you go into the repackaged joint, it just doesn't work for me. On to the Diamond! I hope they put Brian's Connecticut Dogs on the menu.

Kimberly - Charlotte:

The guys should call the new place "The Walrus". I'm sure that there is no ownership on that name. I want the first tee-shirt.

Tim S - Charlotte:

Hate to see this. I'm sure there's more behind this that the public doesn't know. We're behind you guys and wherever you guys go.

LG-R - Charlotte:

Do you guys here that? Beep,beep! Beep,beep! It's the karma bus and it's gonna hit those greedy new owners of the Penguin HEAD ON! they have taken something extraordinary and wonderful and are turning it into just another restaurant. What a shame...Bring on the Diamond!

Laura Stillwell - Charlotte, NC:

We're spreading the word! Thank you!

mitch carpenter - dilworth:

guys thanks for your hard work. see you at the diamond

T Bird - everywhere & anywhere:

I'll see you all at the Diamond

Melissa - Charlotte, NC:

I love going to The Penguin mainly for the fried pickles and sweet potato fries. This saddens me that so much drama has been brought by media getting so involved. If Greg Auten is still remaining at The Penguin, then that's great - he's the one that created the menu and is atleast half of what The Penguin has become. If Brian and Jimmy create The Diamond, that's even better for us customers. Everyone talks about the "spirit" of the place, and that's fine - but you also go to a restaurant about 75% for the food. If they both have fantastic food, then embrace the change and be happy with it.

TC - Monroe-former 17 yr resident of Plaza Midwood:

I lived in PM 17 years before moving to Monroe in 2007. I want to know one thing, where were the money grubbing kids of the Ballentine's when their parents were struggling with the business, when it went downhill, was filthy, in desperate need of repairs, was nothing but an eyesore and you couldn't get in the door without a drunk or drug addict panhandling you begging for change some 11 years or so ago? They were too good to help keep the Penguin as a good local restaurant back then. Enter Brian, Jimmy and Greg, they cleaned the place up, made all the needed repairs and more, worked with the police to keep the drunks and drug addicts bumming for change making it unsafe for anyone to basically exit their vehicle from hanging around the vicinity. They updated the menu, added new and exciting meals, always made sure the food was excellent, worked the neigborhood and the customers making sure you were having a great dining experience, put the place back on the map! They built that establishment back and made it even better and the people came and are still coming. The place was a success because it was a one-of-a-kind, you can't get a better burger anywhere in Charlotte. Now it will simply be another McDonald's or Hardee's with it being franchised. Enter the money grubbing kids who had absolutely not ONE thing to do with the success of the establishment at all and basically stole it from the guys. I understand why everyone is upset, heck I would be too if someone ripped something that I had poured my blood, sweat and tears into for the past 10 years, I think most anyone would be. That is the reason people are boycotting and with just cause. No one is being put out of work as it's my understanding that the staff is following the guys to The Diamond. Greg left months ago is my understanding so he's working elsewhere and is returning to the Penguin with the "new" owners not "old" owners as the senior Ballentine has passed away, I\'m not sure about the mother. In other words the staff at the Penquin after the 24th will be new staff so no one that was at the Penquin up til the 24th is being put out of work. I used to frequent the Diamond as well and am glad to see it returning to PM with the boys heading it up, I know it will be a success as well with Jimmy and Brian heading it up. Good luck guys!! To the "new" owners, karma has a way of biting you in the butt!

Janet R - CLT:

I think it’s the people that are "screaming" about the soul of the place, no matter what the politics may (or may not) be. We don't want to lose a good thing.

Jessica - Matthews, NC:

:) We love what the Penguin stood for not its name. The staff and group were always a treat to be around. I'm excited that God is has not just droped theses guys by the wayside. I think the Diamond will be 10x what the Penguin was. Just keep the spirit. Change is never easy but be proud of the sucess you guys have had with the Penguin, you know what to expect. The trials and eases with opening a restraunt and now lets do it again you guys. 10x better than before!

Roy - Plaza Midwood:

Wow, I just heard that Brian an Jimmy were actually trying to FRANCHISE the Penguin themselves, and got cut out of the deal...now they are screaming about the "soul" of the place???? I feel hoodwinked...

Holly - PLAZA MIDWOOD:

I had one of my first dates with my husband at the Penguin and many many fun nights there! Its an institution in my (extended) family. I even had pictures taken in my wedding dress at The Penguin as a gift for my husband on our wedding day! I think the reputation of the The Guin is hurt now and I will follow the owners over to The Diamond, no doubt!

Jeff Hollenbrooke - Pineville, NC:

Helping spread the word.

Sarah Terry - Plaza Midwood:

My boyfriend (now fiance) and I have had some of the most important conversations of our lives sitting in that little diner. We like Brian. We like Jimmy. We like seeing them hanging around talking to customers or sitting at the bar. We love the staff. That\'s why we come back. We appreciate what they have built and revived along with Greg while still keeping the integrity of what the Ballentine\'s had. It is really too bad what is happening here. In our eyes, Brian and Jimmy really put the heart and soul into The Penguin as we know it now, and whether their restaurant is called The Penguin or something else, we will support their endeavors.

Brian Yarborough - Charlotte, NC:

It's not over, yet!!

AMVEATS - St. Louis, Missouri:

I look forward to my yearly visit to Charlotte - to see my family and to eat a burger. So very sad. I've written about the Bird on my site - check it out: http://www.andrewmarkveety.com/2010/09/penguin-drive-in-say-it-aint-so.html

Andrew - Plaza Midwood:

This is unfair, we residents of PM want Greg Auten to succeed, as well as Brian and Jimmy. It\'s Greg\'s menu, he put as much work into the place as they did. Please stop trying to put local people like Greg and his staff out of work. We live here, I\'m sure most of you don\'t. Where were all of you when our neighborhood association tries to do POSITIVE things? Stay home.

Susan Lee - Greensboro, NC:

I have loved Jimmy & Brian's Penguin since 2000. If they aren't there, there is no reason to go. Wishing all the best to the Diamond from here on out.

Andrew - Plaza Midwood:

This is unfair, we residents of PM want Greg Auten to succeed, as well as Brian and Jimmy. It's Greg's menu, he put as much work into the place as they did. Please stop trying to put local people like Greg and his staff out of work. We live here, I'm sure most of you don't. Where were all of you when our neighborhood association tries to do POSITIVE things? Stay home.

Nick Canupp - Asheville, North Carolina:

Brian and Jimmy, You have a small but loyal following of former Charlotte residents and folks who have road tripped and eaten at the Penguin and we are pissed!! Most of us are going to be coming to Charlotte to eat at least twice, so see ya'll soon.

Angie Thompson - Charlotte, NC:

Doing whatever it takes! Pass the word on! This ain't over!

Queen Foodie - Charlotte, NC:

What I love about the Penguin: 1)Amazing food (the best burgers and sweet potato fries anywhere) 2)Fun, quirky, usually heavily tattoo'd wait staff that make helpful culinary suggestions like "If you love the pimiento cheese, I can add it to your burger and it gets all melty!" 3)It's the only place that I consider the wait for a table a privilege. 4)That Brian and Jimmy did not sell their souls to capitalize on a franchising opportunity. What makes me sad is that the historic location and name are now sullied by greed. The Penguin as it is now, will live in my heart forever. Brian and Jimmy- best of luck with The Diamond- I look forward to braving the lines and enjoying the food soon!

Kelli Messer - Gastonia, NC:

I am really going to miss the Penguin. The whole point was that it was amazing food and atmosphere and all my friends. It was one of the places that was unique to Charlotte and I am sad that we are losing it. May the Diamond be just as special and amazing.

Julie R - Davidson, NC:

So glad this has been created. Let's organize and keep the spirit of the Penguin alive!

Austin Clark - Morganton, NC :

I went in August before i moved to morganton, nc. The food moved my soul and changed my life. It was pretty freakin amazin. I hope itll look the same but be in different location.

Susie S - Monroe:

Part of the beauty of the Penguin,aside from the burgers and the fried pickles is the fact that it was not "establishment" It is sad that the things that made it so popular are that easily pushed aside. It is good to know that there are so many people out there who stand behind tradition and being an individual...the true spirit of the Penguin will live on even if the name and location changes...all that will be left at the building is the building. Time to move to the Diamond :)

Josh G. - Charotte, NC:

My friends from out of town will never visit me again, they only came to eat at The Penguin. Best dive bar/eatery in town. The Diamond is gonna be a rockin place!

Becky Schultz - Flint, MI:

LOVE the penguin ALWAYS go when we are in Charlotte, which is once or twice a year. Sometimes we go more than once. NOBODY come close to their fried pickles!!!YUM!!!!!

Brian - Saluda:

You reap what you sow you bunch of thieving bastards! I hope no one ever graces the doors of any of your businesses ever again. Ever time I come to Charlotte I eat there and I cant wait to go and find the same great food somewhere else. The Diamond will have a line around the block and you'll have tumbleweeds. When is enough money enough? You suck!

Patrick Singer - Charlotte:

Not going to let this die! Fight the good fight! Will be sharing with my friends.

Tim Stock - Pittsburgh, PA:

Long live The Diamond!

Jared Wooten - Fort Mill, South Carolina:

ive enjoyed eating and spreading the word about the atmosphere and food that jimmy and brian gave me and gave us all. i will continue to tell everyone i know about what these guys have. never again will i say you gotta go to the penguin, ill say GO TO THE DIAMOND and get some delicious fried pickles

Chad Huntington - Belmont:

Never forget THE PENGUIN!

Angela O. - Charlotte:

The Penguin has the BEST fried pickles EVER!!! Please make these when you move over to The Diamond. I will NOT ever go back to The Penguin after The Diamond opens. Why do these richy-rich types always have to push themselves on the middle class in order to make more money?? They obviously did not care about the name and reputation that had been built up by the current occupants.

Blake P - Concord, NC:

Jimmy and Brian are the ones that created the place we love today. We're following you guys.

SEM - CLT:

Aren't the "new" owners the original 1954 and current owners? They started the craze way before Brian & Jimmy came on board. Seems like there are too many people hating those who've been there since the beginning. Don't boycott, there's enough business for both!

jeff watkins - CLT:

uuuuugh. tragic.

Mike Porter - Charlotte, NC:

Whoever the owner is, the point is: it's our place. The Penguin belonged to Charlotte. What made it great is that we all loved it and we all showed that love. That love is going to need to go elsewhere now.

Stephen Sykes - Charlotte, NC:

Missing the old bird already. We'll follow you to the new place!

Lane - Charlotte:

Dude. The new management is the old management. They've only been gone 6 months. Yeah, the Ballentines want a bigger piece of the pie, and kudos to Brian and Jimmy for not giving it to them, but don't think Auten and the other dude are going to completely change things. They would be throwing away money, and considering they are half of what made it what it is, they aren't stupid businessmen.

Shonda - Mount Holly, NC:

Suck it corporate Nazis! Diamonds are in my eyes now.

Christie Langston - Charlotte, NC:

The Langston Family supports you!

Robin Siegner - Charlotte NC:

Just offer the identical menu at The Diamond please! (Or leave The Penguin's menu as is)

brigid denny - winston salem:

What is going on!!! We drive all the way from winston salem because we love you guys, why do you have to leave.....saddened the denny family

Jason Turner - San Diego, CA:

Of all my trips to Charlotte, this is the one thing that could beat In-N-Out. Cannot believe someone would mess with a perfect recipe.

Jim Stoins - Charlotte, NC:

Why mess with a good thing?!

emily - davidson, nc:

I don't want to see this turn into a McDees or Starbucks where you see it on every freakin' corner! The whole point of going out of your way to it was because it was 1 & ORIGINAL! You guys will fail when you try and open up more. THE DIAMOND will be the new place to hang while the old place just houses crickets!!

Darcy Hastings - Waxhaw:

Terribly sad to see this. We're behind you guys!!

Mike - Louisiana:

I spent a few years working in Charlotte, and there was no better place to hang out than the Penguin. I sincerely hope that the Diamond works out, and I look forward to visiting the new place when I get back for a visit. Hope you local folks will help support the guys and the Diamond.

Sara Kauth - Charlotte, NC:

Damn the man! Off to The Diamond!

Kim - Charlotte:

We will follow you to the Diamond!!

Lindsay Turner - Salisbury, NC:

Thank you thank you thank you for doing this! We're behind you all the way!

Paul Rastens - Boone, NC:

All over this. We\'re going to make sure these guys are a success!

Jenni Chatham - Charlotte:

So sad! We're behind you guys 100%!

Aaron Michaels - Concord, NC:

Stupid corporate wet blankets. See you at the Diamond! Oh, and Ballentine Family Investments, take the word FAMILY out of your title. What goes around comes around.....Karma is a you know what...

Sam Perkins - Chapel Hill, NC (native of CLT):

Are the Ballentines really that desperate to need that much more money? Wouldn't they be better off as-is? I can't believe there needs to be a shake-up like this. Keep it as it is! Senior year of high school (and occasionally junior year), I used to skip lunch and a mid-day period, drive over from Myers Park, and savor a block burger and fried pickles. Now, whenever I come home, I get to enjoy the same with a nice, big, cheap PBR. Why does this have to end?

Jaimee L - Nashville, TN:

Supporting you in Nashville! We love the Penguin!

Heather K. - UNC Charlotte:

Your food is amazing and I love your prices. I hope you do not change the menu when you transition to The Diamond.

@Raindawg - Charlotte, NC:

Everyone! Above all, remember to eat, drink and be merry at The Penguin up until October 23rd. Help put wind in Brian and Jimmy's sails as they cruise on down the block to The Diamond!

Shawn Connors - Charlotte, NC:

FULL SUPPORT HERE!

Brandy Munsell - Charlotte, NC:

You guys know I'll follow you to the Diamond.

Shayne R - Cornelius, NC:

Sounding off here in Cornelius!!

Logan Little - Charlotte, NC:

We're behind you guys!

Brianna Marsh - Gastonia:

Not the same, but we have to support them.

Travis M

We must support the Diamond! Keep the spirit of the place alive!

Angry Man - Charlotte:

This is about loyalty. I'll support the Diamond or anywhere else they go, but that's completely different than BFI screwing Jimmy and Brian.

Christine M - Charlotte:

So so sad! Going to miss them terribly.

Will Tatum - Huntersville, NC:

Never going back there. Just show me to where the new place is!

Willie - CLT:

The soul of The Penguin lives! Let's R O C K the Diamond! I truly hope there'll be fried pickles and a Full-blown HEMI in store!

RH - Charlotte:

We support you Brian and Jimmy!

Jon Singer - Winston-Salem:

So tragic. I wish there was a way for them to at least keep the name.

Megan Schiller - Charlotte:

Long live THE PENGUIN!

John - Charlotte:

gotta support the Diamond!!

Loni Sherrolds - Albemarle:

NO WAY!!!!!!!!

Sheri Ward - High Point:

Live Long The Penguin!!!

Silas T. - Dilworth:

Criminal!

Danielle S - Charlotte:

Charlotte is going to miss the unique culture of this icon.

Yahmen H

not fair.

Steve - Fort Mill:

I hope they take the jukebox to the Diamond!

Jake

please keep the HEMI!

Orna Ross - Thomasville, NC:

we're behind you guys!

Sean Stevens - Charlotte:

Killing me to see this. I'm in full support of wherever they go. Please make it just like the old place!

James Price - Charlotte:

can't wait for the reopening!

Clara - Plaza-Midwood:

You have our support! We'll spread the word to everyone we know!

Jimmy K - Matthews, NC:

Hate to see this go. Ready to support the new place.

Ron Summerville - Mooresville, NC:

Keep the Penguin alive!