Old Wimpy’s Grill in Durham is reopening with a new name. What to expect on the menu.
If you need to, think of it as Wimpy’s by another name.
Blake’s Grill will open Monday morning in the former Wimpy’s Grill space in Durham, serving a similar breakfast and lunch menu and keeping the same 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. hours.
Wimpy’s closed last year after more than three decades of serving hamburgers and hot dogs on Hillsborough Road. Owners Larry and Brenda Mishoe sashayed into retirement.
Blake’s Grill is named for its owner, Blake Hawthorne, who is best known for serving popular hot dogs and concessions in the parking lot of the Durham Lowe’s. He has partnered with Culinary Institute of America graduate Alex Franson as the chef and hired longtime Wimpy’s cook James Dorman to run the grill.
“(Wimpy’s) was a hell of a good joint,” Franson said. “We figured, if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it. We’ll have many of the same classic offerings.”
Expect familiar breakfast fare, like made-from-scratch biscuits, any style of eggs, the famous pinto beans, the same burger grind as Wimpy’s and upgraded hot dogs. Hawthorne said he’ll also add his specialty, bratwurst and Italian sausage with peppers and onions.
“Simple American food; come any way you want and get good food,” said Hawthorne of his plans for Blake’s Grill.
With more than 15 years of experience in many of Durham’s restaurants, such as Guglhupf and Fullsteam Brewing, and a prestigious culinary degree, Franson said he and Hawthorne still have a lot of love for flat-top grills and a greasy burger.
“I’m CIA-trained, but so what?” Franson said. “Both of us have a passion for these old grills; they’re cool and nostalgic. ... As American as apple pie, all absolute classics.”
In the last days of Wimpy’s Grill, customers waited over an hour for one last burger from the beloved short order stand. There was so much love, in fact, that Wimpy’s sold out of all of its food and was forced to close a day earlier than it expected.
Wimpy’s was best known for its Garbage Burger, a bacon double cheeseburger with chili, slaw and all the fixings. It was once devoured by “Man v. Food” star Adam Richman during a 2009 episode of the show.
Franson said they’re not able to use the name, but plan to serve a number of creative burgers and hot dogs.
“Wimpy has his legacy,” Franson said.
Blake’s Grill will open at 7 a.m. Monday, Jan. 6. For more information, find them on Facebook.
This story was originally published January 3, 2020 at 10:41 AM.
