Kings 👑 Six Pack

Last night marked the end of an era.

After more than thirty years in business, Kings Family Restaurant in Delmont closed its doors for the last time. The next morning, they did not reopen.

A sad day for those who remember a Delmont institution just off Route 66 near the ramp to US 22. There are many memories from those who worked there, myself included. We even started a page called “I Survived Kings Delmont” that highlighted the crazy antics of everyone working there from past years.

For me, Kings Delmont holds a special place in my heart. Here’s three facts about my employment with Kings and three things I wish I’d done better.

It was my first real job out of college in 2006.

I had a great relationship with the higher ups whenever they came to visit. Mom once said in 2006, “Get to know them”. I could have really applied myself and done more with the company. Too bad my attitude soured a few years later.

I promoted Kings at various events as the Frownie. I also did my homework and learned lots about the company. They started in North Versailles, and branched out to Monroeville and Plum before opening restaurants in the South Hills.

Those are the facts about my employment. Here’s what could have improved.

I wish I wouldn’t have let the negative attitude of my other coworkers ruin my view of working there.

I was so obsessed with my education. It’s hard to believe that back then it was a thing for me when my interests have changed so much in the last couple of years. I guess when you get older you do appreciate things more and realize some things weren’t really a great idea anyways.

I would looked at those busy days as an blessing instead of a curse. The yearly Apple 🍏 Festival was one of the busiest weekends of the year. I wished I’d taken more opportunities to shine and be my best.

My dad still has his Frownie T-shirt I got him for Christmas in 2005. The Frownie helped the company when it was introduced to compete with Eat’n Park’s Smiley Cookie. Whereas Eat’n Park was the place for smiles, Kings claimed that they made a mean dessert.

I really wish I’d appreciated my employment more here. Sad how all of the places I’ve previously worked have closed now. Park Diner closing in 2009 was a shock but Eat’n Park made that decision themselves. It was bad times for our economy as well. Reese and Xentel weren’t real jobs to me so no loss there.

However, Kings Delmont closing hurts more. It will always be my first real job out of college.