Iconic Plaza Midwood Penguin Sign Taken Down

CHARLOTTE, NC – The Iconic Penguin sign in Plaza Midwood is no more. The city staple was taken down this afternoon and will be turned over to the Plaza Midwood Neighborhood Association.

“It’s exciting, but also sorrowful to see things change,” said one man watching crews take down the sign.

“I’m just thrilled to be out here today witnessing some Charlotte history,” said another onlooker.

Dozens of people stopped by to watch the sign be removed. Many shared their special connections.

“My uncle and I would come down here for my birthdays. Really a special place,” said one person.

The Penguin Restaurant opened in the 1950’s and was a staple of the Plaza Midwood community until it’s closure in 2014. Until Friday, the sign had remained.

“It’s hard to see Plaza Midwood without The Penguin sign,” said Sam Spencer.

Spencer is the Charlotte Planning Commission chair. He’s also a huge fan of The Penguin.

“There are few things that you could identify more with East Charlotte or Plaza Midwood than the Penguin sign,” said Spencer.

Spencer wrote to the owner asking that the sign remain. He says this is another blow to the historic Charlotte food scene which also saw the closing of Price’s Chicken Coop and Zacks Hamburgers this year.

“It was a place where any member of the community could come together and get a good meal,” said Spencer.

The sign, while coming down, will be preserved by the Plaza Midwood Neighborhood Association. And as for Spencer, he’ll always have memories of the food.

“The fried pickles can’t be beat,”  and the fun, “I think it’s the first place that ever served me a beer underage.”

The Penguin restaurant brand is being revived in Dilworth. Opening plans have not been released.