News

Hurricane Florence no match for Pena Mediterranean Grill

October 12, 2018

Peno Mediterranean Grill, based in Wilmington, North Carolina, opened its latest store in Jacksonville, North Carolina, only days after the devastation from one of the worst hurricanes to hit the region in decades, according to a company press release.

The Peno franchisees in Jacksonville, two retired Marines and their wives, were on schedule to open during the week that Hurricane Florence made landfall. They had to postpose the opening without ever serving a single gyro. Although the storm hit their town with incredible force, the restaurant suffered only some minor dry wall damage but saw almost no major damage. They patched the store back together and had a "soft opening" party and invited first responders, linemen and anyone in need of a free meal. 

Co-founder Rocco Quaranto III spoke of the soft opening, "We had linemen in the restaurant from Indiana, Michigan and even Canada. Usually our soft openings are celebrated with a few local friends and family, this was really a special time for us to give back to these guys who were helping the community get back on it's feet." 

The restaurant has been seeing a line out the door since day one with no signs of slowing, according to the release.
Peno Grill has available territories in North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia and Florida.