Rooftop Dining Planned for East Court Street Corridor

Nebo, NC · October 20, 2026

Trail crews are heading into the brush along Star Gap this morning, and the early 41-degree chill will burn off quickly under clear skies.

The Lead

Plans are taking firm shape for the county’s next major dining destination as Copper Penny Grill moves forward with a standalone restaurant at 700 East Court Street. Co-owners Paul and Shelly Gref, who operate sister locations across Rutherford and Catawba counties, confirmed the site will feature a rooftop patio and capacity for roughly 250 guests.

For east-county residents and Nebo commuters accustomed to traveling toward Asheville or Morganton for sit-down dinner options, the venue brings a full-service scratch kitchen and dedicated catering facilities right to the U.S. 70 commercial corridor. Site preparations sit adjacent to the new Powermaxx storefront, extending commercial momentum eastward from downtown Marion. Exterior framing gets underway next as contractors aim to enclose the building before winter sets in.

Local Pulse

Cadet Equipment Grant Removes Law Enforcement Barriers Schools A retired state trooper’s donation funds essential uniform gear for recruits training at McDowell Technical Community College.
Volunteer Trail Day Rebuilds Star Gap Route Parks Work crews restore washed-out switchbacks along the Star Gap East corridor today using sustainable stone and native locust timber.

Today's Outlook

High 71°F · Low 41°F — Clear
- Grab a jacket for the crisp morning start before bright sunshine warms the afternoon.

What's On Around Town

Today

Star Gap Volunteer Trail Day Camp Grier Trailhead (985 Camp Grier Rd), Old Fort, 10:00 AM–2:00 PM · Free Pack work gloves to help trail stewards rebuild storm-damaged mountain switchbacks.
Digital Literacy Laptop Workshop McDowell County Public Library (90 W Court St), Marion, 4:00–6:00 PM · Free Complete hands-on computer training to earn a free take-home laptop.

Tomorrow

Backyard Composting Basics McDowell County Extension Center (1930 US-70 E), Marion, 10:00–11:00 AM · Free
Pub Trivia Night Mica Town Brewing (25 Brown Dr), Marion, 6:30–8:30 PM

Thursday

Music Trivia Night Mica Town Brewing (311 NC-126), 6:30–8:30 PM

Spotlight & Story

Old Fort Arrowhead Monument
- Hand-chiseled from pink granite, this 14.5-foot stone point rests on a fifteen-foot river-rock pedestal beside the tracks. Over 6,000 spectators gathered on July 27, 1930, when nine-year-old Margaret Marie Nesbitt unveiled the 30-foot pillar as Cherokee and Catawba leaders watched.

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