The Beginning
Our Story Starts
2000 • Andy Cauble opened the doors of the Penguin Drive-In with Greg and his wife Candy Auten, as a Bartender.
Triple D in CLT!
Hanging with Guy
May 2007 • Guy Fieri searches out some off-the-hook specials from coast to coast: The North Carolina joint where they're frying up pickles and homemade corn dogs
Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives | Season 1, Episode 3
More Beginnings
Branching Out
2007 • In 2007, now the General Manager, Andy was brought in as a new partner in the second endeavor, The Penguin Grill, a streamlined version of The Penguin Drive-In, except in a NightClub, The Alley Cat only lasted just over a year due to becoming a private club. During the days of The Penguin Grill, Greg and Andy created a great work relationship and mutual respect through day-to-day actions attempting to run a successful kitchen in a private nightclub.
The Seeds Were Planted
2008 • It all began around 2008, when a Real Estate Developer asked if Greg Auten and his partners at The Penguin Drive-In wanted to open another location, in the Triple “G” Automotive Garage. At this time, The Penguin Drive-In had been featured on Diner, Drive-In’s & Dives and was experiencing an overwhelming success, not only by tourists, but also by locals and was a real heart in the community.
Change was in the air
Everyone agreed it was time to drop all ties with The Penguin Drive-In and create our own independent restaurant. After much brainstorming for a name, Pinky’s was the only name we could agree on, not to mention Andy had a birth relative named Pinky. We began receiving press about using the Triple “G” Automotive building, a former Volkswagen Repair shop with a VW Bug on the roof (Charlotte Landmark) and painted like an American flag at the intersection of Freedom and Morehead across the street from the infamous Pterodactyl Club.
The Change
May 2010 • Greg and his partners were struggling to see eye to eye and in May 2010. Greg sold out of The Penguin Drive-In. While in return, his partners would drop out of Pinky’s, going from five partners to three and the name then becoming Pinky’s Westside Grill.
Other Things
Mid 2010 • While renovations were under way, Pinky’s Westside Grill began catering and even attempted a remote location at The Charlotte Motor Speedway.
& Then
IT HAPPENED
Nov 2010 • Pinky’s Westside Grill opened, and the dream was on its way.
Expansion
Second Store
DEC 2013 • Pinky’s Westside Grill opened our second location in Huntersville, NC.
More Press
Boom!
May 2015 • Pinky’s Westside Grill was featured on the Food Network as part of Diner, Drive-In’s and Dives thus contributing to an increase of popularity for both stores. Chef Greg Auten also appeared on local channels Fox and WBTV cooking to promote Pinky’s Westside Grill.
Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives | Season 22 Episode 10 ``Racing Through Charlotte``
Takeout Addition!
Remote Cooking
2020 • Guy Fieri grabs some Triple-D style takeout that combines great restaurant food with cooking at home. Guy and his son, Hunter, chat via video with four DDD alums who guide them on a trip to Flavortown. Featured on the episode is the Green Chili Pork from Pinky's Westside Grill, the best kept secret on the menu.
Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives | Season 32 Episode 6 ``Takeout: Funky Finds in 'da House``