So the suited lawyers got involved and everyone got their panties in a twist. At first the Ballentine family was open to involving Jimmy and Brian and their staff in the expansion of The Penguin since they always had a great relationship and trusted these men with their family business. But several months of dead end negotiations and turmoil ensued until the two managers branched off completely to a new restaurant across the street- The Diamond.
Jim had passed before the split and his elderly wife did not have the strength to deal with all of the commotion and nearly gave up the business. If is wasn't for Lisa, the youngest of the 5 Ballentine daughters who took on the responsibilities of running a restaurant along with her current career, the family business would have been lost. now co-owns it with Martin (the man who originally set out to franchise) and will be opening more Penguin's within the next year.
Some people love The Penguin and always will. Others prefer to scoff at all the differences between the "New" and "Old" Penguin because they like gossip and debate. But if these people bothered to look around, they'd notice that all the black and whites on the walls are photographs of the Original owners, staff, and customers. News articles from when they first opened. Essentially a tribute that Lisa and her family have to their late father for the epic footprint he and his wife Jean made on Charlotte and all its locals.
Lisa is the sweetest person I have ever worked for. She listens to her staff and writes down our feedback constantly improving in every way she can. This woman is in the restaurant almost every day because it is important to her that The Penguin lives on. That her staff knows she is here for us and that her customers are happy.
She is so resilient but far to classy to try and battle the media's ridiculous accusations. She knows who she is, what her cause is, and is ready to get back to basics and focus on what is important. Not to get swept up in a he said/ she said game. If people want to be hateful, they can go somewhere else... But really guys - Its a burger, just put it in your mouth and eat it.
That’s my piece-- I wrote this because I have a strong fondness for this restaurant and being a server here. If you have any questions feel free to ask your server but please be kind and have an open mind.
A special thanks to the people who support us and also those who give constructive criticism. It's a pleasure serving you guys!
Long live The Penguin!
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