About Comet Grill

"Longtime Dilworth fixture *The Comet Grill*is headed on a new trajectory after being bought by its former general manager, Tommy Noblett.

Noblett purchased the bar/restaurant from John and Jeannie Wicker two weeks ago for an undisclosed sum. He has begun extensive renovations of the 12-year-old venture.

Fresh paint in lighter colors, rearranged memorabilia and renovated bathrooms are all projects in process or completed. He installed a 1930s walnut bar and backdrop in addition to moving the beer taps to the front of the bar so bartenders never have to turn their backs to customers.

But perhaps the biggest change will come in the bar's climate.

"I dropped a new A/C in here,"Noblett says. "We've never had A/C in the summer before and people aren't used to it yet."

Noblett says diners can expect new dinner specials such as grilled pork chops with apple-mango chutney. He has reopened for lunch and the Comet's new hours are Monday through Saturday, 11:30 a.m. to 2 a.m. He plans to book live music acts.

"I've always loved working here, and the Wickers are like a second family to me," Noblett says. "I'm just putting my mark on the Comet and spicing it up."

- Charlotte Business Journal

About Comet Grill's Fries:  "Medium-thick, square-cut, seriously seasoned things of beauty, these are also some of the few that can be had with vegetarian sandwiches. (Yes, this Dilworth stalwart, 2224 Park Road, is back open after a change in ownership, and yes, the fries are still terrific.)"

- Helen Schwab, The Charlotte Observer