A Cornelius waterfront staple is closing its doors after 15 years of operation.
The Rusty Rudder announced on its web site Tuesday its Lake Norman waterfront location is closing Oct. 3 after the restaurant’s landlord chose not to renew the lease.
Owners Eric Paul and Brian Johnston opened the Cornelius restaurant in May 2002 and have seen firsthand the growth around the Lake Norman area.
“We would like to thank everyone that has been a part of The Rudder over these amazing years. We have truly felt like a part of Cornelius and Lake Norman Community from day one, and we will miss it deeply,” a post on the restaurant’s web site said.
The restaurant in located at 20210 Henderson Road adjacent to Holiday Marina and has its own slips for boat access from the lake. By water, the restaurant is located between markers D6 and T2.
The owners were not given a reason for their landlord not renewing the lease, and it is unclear what will become of the restaurant space.
There is still plenty of live music nights and a few Sunday Fundays at the Tikki bar to enjoy before the final one on Oct. 3 for the Carolina Panthers vs. Atlanta Falcons football game.
Paul and Johnston will continue to operate their Mt. Pleasant location at 3563 N. Highway 17, Mt. Pleasant, SC 29466.
