South End’s iconic Mr. K’s closes after more than 50 years

CHARLOTTE — Longtime ice cream shop and restaurant Mr. K’s in South End closed its doors Friday afternoon.

Mr. K’s has been a popular spot in Charlotte for more than 50 years.

“We appreciate the many memories we’ve shared with all of you. Not many places in Charlotte make it 50+ years, but with your support, we’ve been able to join that elite crowd. We hope you’ve felt the love from our family to yours. Thank you again. And our best wishes to everyone,” read a post from the shop’s Instagram page.

Channel 9′s Mark Becker was at the restaurant Friday and talked to many patrons who said the Charlotte staple will be greatly missed.

“It’s just been part of Charlotte,” customer Steve Onxley. “I’ve been here 35 years and I’ve probably been coming for at least 30 of those years here.”

“We would come maybe once a week, I think, because the burgers,” customer Ashley Gardner said. “The messier the better. The best burgers in town.”

Mary Ann Stinson told Becker she stopped by to have one last strawberry milkshake.

“My husband and I used to come before we got married ... and we’ve been married 40 years, so they’ve seen our children grow,” she said.

George Dizes -- the man who’s kept the burgers coming for so many years -- didn’t have time for tears Friday, just more customers, more burgers and more memories.

“I just want to thank everybody for all of the years of support and love and friendship,” he said. " And, uh, we’re going to miss everybody as much as they’re going to miss us. Thank you guys.”

The ice cream shop closed its doors around 3 p.m. after being flooded with customers who wanted to show their support one last time.

The Crust Pizza out of Naples, Florida has snagged the 1,300-square-foot space out of more than 50 interested parties. The restaurant’s lease was listed for sale for $260,000, The Charlotte Business Journal reported.

Your704: Top 5 ice cream shops Your704: Top 5 ice cream shops

Cox Media Group