Opening soon? The Madness, Copper Penny Grill still coming to Marion, owners say

Despite some delays, two new restaurants for Marion - The Madness and Copper Penny Grill - are still in the works to open soon.

Late last year, the owners of these two restaurants announced they would open a Marion location and, since then, local customers have eagerly waited for them to start operations. Although there have been some delays, representatives from both restaurants said last week they will open soon.

At the end of 2025, the owners of Burrito Bros. announced they would close their popular Mexican restaurant business and focus their attention on other ventures. They also announced that The Madness would soon take over their space at the Larry D. Miller Business Complex.

The Madness is a sushi/burger fusion restaurant and bar with three locations in West Asheville/Candler, North Asheville and Morganton. The Marion location would be its fourth.

Last week, The McDowell News reached out to the Facebook page for The Madness for an update on the Marion location.

A representative of the restaurant chain said it is "completely remodeling the dining area in that space and finally finishing our inspections this week."

"We are going to start hiring this coming week and hopefully will be able to soft open early June," the representative said on Facebook Messenger.

At around the same time late last year, the Copper Penny Grill announced it would open a Marion location at 700 E. Court St.

Owned by Paul and Shelly Gref, the Copper Penny Grill has built a successful restaurant business in Rutherford and Catawba counties with locations in Rutherfordton, Forest City and Lake Hickory. The restaurant serves wings, appetizers, salads, flatbreads, pasta, sandwiches, tacos, burgers and steaks, along with its desserts. Like The Madness, the Marion restaurant would be Copper Penny's fourth location.

The Copper Penny Grill is "proud to serve handcrafted American fare made from our own original recipes, cold drinks from our lively bars, and an atmosphere where everyone feels welcome, whether it's a casual night out or a special celebration," reads the restaurant's website.

On May 28, Shelly Gref said she and her husband are waiting for the plans from the architect for the new Marion restaurant. Once those plans are received and permitted, construction should begin quickly, she added.

GEM Construction will build its fourth location.

The Marion location will have the same menu as the other Copper Penny Grill locations. It will have 30 beers on tap and two bars. It will also have rooftop seating, Gref said in a previous story by The McDowell News.

In addition, Powermaxx of Marion is moving from its current location on Montford Cove Road to East Court Street, right beside the new Copper Penny Grill.

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This story was originally published June 6, 2026 at 5:36 AM.