Pennyman's Diner delays Hampton opening, update expected later this week

Owners say additional preparations at the new site have pushed back the planned opening date.

Apr. 6, 2026 at 8:22pm

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A high-end, photorealistic studio still-life photograph featuring a vintage coffee mug, a stack of ceramic plates, and a stainless steel fork and knife, conceptually representing the classic style and quality of Pennyman's Diner.The delayed opening of Pennyman's Diner in Hampton signals the challenges small businesses face when relocating, but also the owners' commitment to quality and community.Elizabethton Today

Pennyman's Diner, a popular local restaurant, will not open as previously announced on Tuesday at its new location in Hampton, Tennessee. Owners Mechelle Turbyfill and Alisha Hallmark have been preparing for the transition since the restaurant was forced to leave its previous location in Johnson City at the end of February. The new location, along Highway 321 in Hampton, is the former site of Amber's Country Kitchen and is larger than the diner's previous building. Turbyfill and Hallmark say additional preparations at the new site have delayed the opening, and an updated date will be provided later this week.

Why it matters

Pennyman's Diner has been a beloved local institution for nearly 20 years, and its relocation to Hampton represents a significant change for the business and its loyal customer base. The delay in the opening highlights the challenges small businesses can face when transitioning to a new location, and the importance of careful planning and preparation to ensure a smooth transition.

The details

Pennyman's Diner had planned to open at 8 a.m. on Tuesday, April 11, 2026, and offer its full menu on the first day of operation at the new Hampton location. However, the owners say additional preparations at the new site have delayed the opening, and an updated date will be provided later this week. The new location, along Highway 321 in Hampton, is the former site of Amber's Country Kitchen and is larger than the diner's previous building in Johnson City.

  • Pennyman's Diner was forced to leave its previous location in Johnson City at the end of February 2026.
  • The restaurant had planned to open at the new Hampton location on Tuesday, April 11, 2026.
  • A ribbon-cutting ceremony hosted by the Carter County Chamber of Commerce is scheduled for April 13, 2026, at 2 p.m.

The players

Mechelle Turbyfill

Co-owner of Pennyman's Diner who took over the restaurant in October 2006 and has been looking forward to celebrating 20 years at the helm of the business.

Alisha Hallmark

Co-owner of Pennyman's Diner and Mechelle Turbyfill's daughter, who is eager to meet customers in the Hampton community once the restaurant opens.

Pennyman's Diner

A popular local restaurant that has been in business for nearly 20 years and is now relocating from Johnson City to a larger location in Hampton, Tennessee.

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What they’re saying

“We didn't have one more day to operate, to let everybody know and to say goodbye. I genuinely thought that was going to be the end of Pennyman's.”

— Mechelle Turbyfill, Co-owner, Pennyman's Diner

“I'm excited to meet all of our new regulars and all of our new customers.”

— Alisha Hallmark, Co-owner, Pennyman's Diner

What’s next

An official opening date for Pennyman's Diner at its new Hampton location is expected to be announced later this week.

The takeaway

The delay in Pennyman's Diner's opening at its new Hampton location highlights the challenges small businesses can face when transitioning to a new site, and the importance of careful planning and preparation to ensure a smooth transition. Despite the setback, the owners remain optimistic about the restaurant's future and are eager to welcome new customers in the Hampton community.