Please remember to share our petition through social media and also word of mouth.

You can also contact Governor Jim Justice to add your comment on the matter:
Office Phone:
304-558-2000 or 1-888-438-2731

Governor's Mansion:
304-558-3588

email form: https://appengine.egov.com/apps/wv/governor/contactus

State Historic Preservation Office: 304-558-0240
Director – Deputy State Historic Preservation Officer: Susan Pierce - (email) Susan.M.Pierce@wv.gov

We are asking the West Virginia State Historic Preservation Office, Governor Jim Justice, City of Beckley, Beckley City Council & Historical Committee 
to intervene and halt the demolition of the historic King Tut Drive-In, to expedite the recognition of the drive-in as a historical landmark and add it to the Historical Registry. 

The property may also be eligible for the National Register.                            Grants and tax credits would then be available for new ownership that would cover 45 percent of the cost of whatever is needed to sustain the property and its functionality.

The previous owners, the McKay family, stated in an early news article that they had hoped to find a buyer who would purchase and operate the restaurant, but the property was a "hard sale" as it is in need of repairs.
Since the announcement was made of the closing and planned demolition of the drive-in, many parties have expressed interest in purchasing & operating this authentic drive-in as a designated historic landmark.

The King Tut Drive-In is the McKay's legacy and also a significant part of the city of Beckley's cultural and historical heritage. 

Comments from King Tut patrons online (via twitter/facebook):

• -  "Devastating! We lose another local establishment…an institution!!"

• -  "This place is an absolute LANDMARK, and a big part of Beckley's history, loved by so many"

• -  "The legendary King Tut Drive-In in Beckley announced they will close forever in a few weeks, on September 5."

• -  "King Tut Drive-In is officially closing this year. City of Beckley should find a way to keep it open as it's part of its history"

• -  "People love this place & some have traveled here from all over the US since they heard that it's closing & may be demolished"

• "Sadly, King Tut drive-in, Beckley, WV, was sold and will be demolished unless the historical society or @WVGovernor intervenes. The memories of a community will be lost."

• -  "King Tut Drive-In is a historical landmark. New owners plan to tear it down. Something needs to be done about this. This is terrible for our community and our state"

• -  "that’s one of the major landmarks there. I sure hope they step in."
• -  "Finally made it to a #WV legend! King Tut Drive-In"
• -  "Great history there! Too bad it can’t go on"
• -  "People are desperate for that experience before it is gone."
• -  "Encourage these local historical treasures to be preserved"

• -  "This town has nothing like it once did... Can’t wait for my kids to be grown so we can all get out of this place"

• -  "King Tut Drive-in has been on this spot in Beckley since 1945. My parents came here on dates before they were married in 1969. It’s an institution in Beckley. 
  ...it’s a piece of Americana that will soon be no more... After September 5th, it will be closed for good. You don’t see places like this anymore."

• -  "My husband and I went on our first date here and we return to King Tut to celebrate that anniversary every year"

• -  "King Tut drive-in... thinking the city of Beckley should consider buying it since they purchased black knight and have done good things with it, both are historic and have been here for years.
  Both are profitable under proper management. what does everyone think?"

• -  "sad that the legacy won’t be continued."
• -  "Beckley is losing an icon."
• -  "We are all saddened over this."
• -  "Let's save this iconic Establishment!!"