On Tuesday, I saw a story about the closing of the Parkette Drive-In in Lexington--a wildly popular diner for nearly seven decades, having opened in 1953.

THE STATUS OF THE PARKETTE DRIVE-IN

But when I clicked the link to the story, I got a "403 error" indicating that the story I was looking for didn't exist. It HAD been taken down. So I called the Parkette and talked to an employee--it may have been the co-owner, Randy Kaplan, but now I'm not sure. Anyway, I was told that the story was a mistake and that the Parkette was still open for business. A Facebook post from Randy and another from a Lexington business backed that up.

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The Parkette Drive-In--once featured on Food Network's Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives--has been an INSTITUTION in Lexington and there was much relief when the restaurant confirmed it was still in operation.

THE PARKETTE DRIVE-IN HAS CLOSED AFTER ALL

Well, that was Tuesday. Today, it appears that the earlier story from the Richmond Register that yielded the "403 error" was true but was published a bit too early. It was later taken down. The Register has posted a clarification.

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This was and IS the story in question.

Yes, unfortunately, the Parkette Drive-In has closed. A visibly upset Kaplan spoke to the Lexington media Wednesday.

It seems that while the Parkette Drive-In successfully navigated the initial brunt of the COVID pandemic in 2020, business had slowed down in 2022.

A SAD ABSENCE ON LEXINGTON'S NEW CIRCLE ROAD

I have only visited the Parkette Drive-In a couple of times over the years, but Lexington and Lexington-area friends have always sung its praises. And even on those days when I was in the city and didn't stop in, it was always a great comfort to see that cool old Parkette sign lighting up New Circle Road.

Sadly, it will now go dark.

There's no word yet on what plans, if any, are in play for the Parkette property, but we'll keep an eye on any further developments.

[SOURCE: Lexington Herald-Leader]

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