When it comes to restaurants at the North Central West Virginia Airport, the only thing that’s certain is that nothing’s certain.

 

Once again, the space on the second floor of the terminal building that has housed numerous restaurants over the years is closed. The good news this time, however, is that it’s only closed as an ownership and operations transfer – as well as an official name change – take place.

 

During Wednesday’s meeting of the Benedum Airport Authority, Director Rick Rock told the airport’s governing body that the new restaurant is anticipating to be open between July 28 and August 1. The restaurant will replace Roberto’s and will be called “Parker’s at the Runway.”

 

Unlike past restaurants that took over with no experience in the space, such won’t be the case this time. Up until closing recently for renovations to take place and for equipment and other items owned by the previous operator to be removed, the owner of the newly named eatery was actually operating the former Roberto’s space. The individual, Parker Fulton, will be handling the restaurant once the laundry list of items needing to be addressed is taken care of.

 

While Rock has been optimistic before, this time he said he has a track record to look at. He said for several weeks Fulton operated the space at the terminal without interruptions, closures and with usually good crowds.

 

“The reason I’m really excited about this is that in the past three months or more is that Parker did an excellent job when he was running Roberto’s Restaurant,” said Rock. “It’s just temporarily shut down, but the airport restaurant will be up and running soon. We just hope the customers will come back because for those that went there when Parker was running the restaurant they know the food is going to be good, the service is good and the view is second to none.”

 

Roberto’s is one of several restaurants that have made attempts to find success and haven’t for any number of reasons. Prior to that, the “Plane View” restaurant failed and several others before that. This time, Rock said he thinks he sees someone committed to making it go.

 

“He did great when he ran it. Parker has a lot of ability with a great work ethic that believes in customer service,” said Rock. “He puts out a great product and I think people will be happy with that product.”

 

The Authority has long championed getting a successful eatery at the terminal. With flight service increasing, the restaurant is an amenity they believe the business traveler wants.

 

Editor's Note: Top photo shows Parker Fulton when he served as the Chef at Roberto's, while the bottom photo is the sign showing that the eatery is currently closed as a name change and other details are worked out.