news-record.com

GREENSBORO - Fincastle's Diner, one of downtown's most popular eateries, may have to relocate because of a long-running lease dispute.

Negotiations between the diner's owners and its landlords, Trace Holdings, began in April, when the most recent lease expired. The talks have been described by one participant as intense.

"If we can't reach an agreement that is beneficial to both parties, we'll be forced to close the doors and move," said Jody Morphis, one of Fincastle's owners and the man in charge of the establishment's day-to-day operations. "I hope (we) can come to an agreement that both parties can live with."

That's what downtown officials want to see.

"They serve an important niche," said Ed Wolverton, president and CEO of Downtown Greensboro Inc. "I am hopeful that they will resolve the issue and remain a part of downtown."

Fincastle's, which opened at 215 S. Elm St., 3½ years ago, serves hot dogs, hamburgers, hand-cut fries and sandwiches. It features a singing waiter, Robert "Jaybird" Williams.

Morphis refused to discuss the issues involved in the dispute.

Efforts to reach Debby Kern, managing partner of Trace Holdings, were unsuccessful.

She and her husband, Milton Kern, a 20 percent partner in Trace Holdings, are involved in a contentious divorce proceeding.

Milton Kern also owns about 20 percent of Fincastle's.

"I feel like Fincastle's is caught in the middle," said Milton Kern, who has not been involved in the negotiations. "I would hate to see Fincastle's move out of downtown or close up."

Morphis said he did not know whether a deadline loomed, adding that he's looking at other places to relocate, including sites outside of downtown.

He added that "our business is doing well."

Contact Donald W. Patterson at 373-7027 or don.patterson@news-record.com