The last day to enjoy a local favorite has come for Beckley locals.
Confirmed to 59News, the last official day of operation for the King Tut Drive-In in Beckley will be Tuesday, August 29, 2023. This is a fast forward of the originally planned September 5th closing date.
Comments from customers online:
- "The last date is August 29th, now? My husband and I had booked a room (just to make it in time before the closing in September)."
- "Terrible news…I’ll never get to experience my favorite date night again...
WWHS Class of’57 "
- " That is so disappointing. I was coming this weekend just to have a last piece of cherry cream pie."
- "I made plans for my birthday my last King Tut now I am not going to get to September 1st"
- "that's awful so many people will be out money on trips they planned"
- "Such a unique place , so nostalgic , so iconic ....I will definitely miss seeing that huge 1950s era , Metal and neon crown sign hanging in the sky as much as I will miss the food and the trips back in time ……"
- "This has honestly been rough on me. I live basically behind the restaurant in bowling addition. I have ate here all of my life. I can’t imagine even driving by and not seeing it feeding our community."
- "Makes me sad it was an icon of my life"
- "The city of Beckley should step and buy this place, if they can buy the black knight!..."
- "Out of our immediate region, but a locally owned and operated INSTITUTION in the WV restaurant scene! Perhaps someone with some $$ & youthful energy can make a go of it!"
- "Cars were lined up to order so if someone would buy it I’m sure they would do well (assuming they kept the quality up)."
- "We have a place like this in my hometown called Dairy Mart. We always stop when there and miss it when we want good fast food. I’m 61 and it’s been open even before that by 4 different owners over years. Probably would be a goldmine for someone to open up."
- "I’ve been planning to visit three covered bridges in the southeast corner of WV. When I heard this place was closing I moved my trip up"
- "A lifetime of memories!"
- "So many memories for so many of us. So sad."
- "my first date was at King Tut’s on January 14, 1972! The place must be magical, we are still together."
- "So sad to lose an icon for Beckley"
- "It’s so sad to see an institution that holds a lifetime of memories close."
- "My husband and I had our 1st date 63 yrs ago this Nov! That night began at the sock hop in our high school gym at Sophia High School, and afterwards we drove to King Tut Drive-In! Our son has visited you often over the yrs., and now our grandson is a frequent visitor! Our 3 generations have enjoyed your wonderful food"
- "Time to move out of West Va"
I hope that our elected officials and representatives are listening. That was the purpose of this petition. Residents of the community, the state of West Virginia and residents of other states are asking the city of Beckley, our elected officials, as well as the state and city Historical Committees, to intervene and halt the demolition of this landmark. We are hopeful that a more reasonable and acceptable plan will be negotiated that is beneficial to all parties, including the community, for the iconic restaurant's future.
Take your families if you're able, show some support and get your last meal from the McKay family... though hopefully, not your last visit to the King Tut Drive-In, a Beckley, West Virginia Historical Landmark.
Demolition is not the only solution, nor is it an acceptable one in this case considering the history, cultural significance and the popularity of the legendary Drive-In.
Remember to call our elected officials to let them know how you feel:
Governor Jim Justice:
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
Beckley City Hall (304) 256-1768