Inaccurate Story About an Iconic Kentucky Drive-In Closing Causes a Stir

Don't do that to me. I hate hearing that one of my favorite restaurants is going to close. It's even worse when it's actually true.

I guess, out of context, that wouldn't make much sense. But you have the headline for context, and, well, you have likely gotten that there was a huge misunderstanding online about a legendary Kentucky drive-in diner that was closing. I'm not going to call out the source that made the erroneous claim; I'm not interested in throwing anyone under the bus for a mistake. And the story--or non-story, maybe--has been taken down.

WRONG INFORMATION GOES VIRAL ABOUT POPULAR RESTAURANT

In fact, when I first saw that the Parkette Drive-In in Lexington was closing down after seven decades, I felt a little funny--partly because the place is so cool and loaded with history and partly because, well, it just didn't ring true.

After I got that tell-tale message, I called the Parkette and the guy I talked to confirmed that it was not true. He also sounded like he'd been fielding calls like that for a while. This may even have been the guy I spoke to.

It probably WAS Randy after seeing THIS Facebook post. I bet he's been pretty busy today.

THE LEGENDARY PARKETTE IS STILL OPEN AND SHOULD BE

I have only been to the Parkette twice, but it is an absolute gem. The Parkette is to Lexington what the Big Dipper or Wonder Whip is to Owensboro.

They've all been in business for roughly the same length of time. And can you imagine your reaction if you saw a story that claimed the Dipper or Wonder Whip was closing for good? (Well, we DID see that about Wonder Whip a few years ago, but it quickly reopened.)

There would be pandemonium.

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THE PARKETTE HAS BEEN FEATURED ON DINERS, DRIVE-INS, AND DIVES

Bottom line...the Parkette Drive-In in Lexington isn't going anywhere. That makes a lot of people very happy, including Guy Fieri, who featured the Parkette on Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives eight years ago. But he's not the only traveling foodie who's discovered the Parkette.

THEY COME FROM ALL OVER FOR THE PARKETTE

The Parkette's classic atmosphere and unbeatable menu keep it hopping on New Circle Road. That's why the closure rumor never made any sense.

Additionally, it's not just locals that seek out the Parkette. In the same way that people across the country want to stop at Moonlite BBQ before leaving Owensboro, folks make sure they hit the Parkette before leaving Lexington. And, yes, Guy Fieri probably helped tremendously. THIS business traveler was certainly impressed.

Always clarify when you see something online that doesn't make any sense.

But that almost NEVER happens, does it? (Wink, wink)