Local

Petition started to keep Rusty Rudder Lake Norman open

CORNELIUS, N.C. — The Rusty Rudder Lake Norman will close after being in business for 15 years in October due to the non-renewal of their lease.

Operations at The Rudder will continue as normal through the month of September.

The Rudder staff was informed Tuesday of the news.

"It is with heavy hearts that we announce The Rusty Rudder Lake Norman will be closing its doors on Oct. 3, 2016,” owners Eric Paul and Brian Johnston said in part in a statement. “Regrettably, our landlord has decided not to renew the lease after 15 years of business forcing us to close our doors.

Paul and Johnston opened the Charleston Rusty Rudder in June 2014 at 3563 N. Highway 17 in Mount Pleasant, S.C. and operations at that location will continue.

A petition was started to keep the popular restaurant open.

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