A restaurant on Milwaukee’s north side is garnering national attention after Charles Barkley ate at Mr. Perkins and said he would do the same on Thursday with Shaq.
It's safe to say those who spent several hours waiting on the two superstars Thursday left sorely disappointed as they never showed, but there is always tomorrow.
Inside Mr. Perkins restaurant, seats were packed full with Bucks fans after more than just soul food.
"I'm waiting on Shaq, Charles Barkley," said Dywane Morgan.
Barkley gave a shout out to the restaurant during the TNT postgame show Wednesday night.
"I went to my favorite soul food place, it's named Perkins," Barkley said. "I had my chitlins. Shaq is going tomorrow."
As Thursday morning turned to afternoon, there wasn't a showing from anyone much taller than 6 feet. Lucinda Grant's trip fell short of her hope for an embrace with the two jokesters.
"I just want to give them a hug," she said.
Damon Turner wasn't too bummed as he got to meet Barkley at Mr. Perkins on Wednesday before the game.
"I was elated, just smiles, everybody was just smiles all in the place," Turner said.
Turner and Barkley even snapped a pic for evidence.
"He was nice, very pleasant, talked to everyone, greeted everybody, it was huge," Turner said.
As closing time came without the two big men Thursday afternoon, Mr. Perkins owner Cherry Perkins is simply thankful for the national attention.
"It's exciting, it's humbling, it's good to know that customers have been a part of the history of Mr. Perkins and Mr. Barkley has frequented our restaurant for many, many years as an NBA player," she said.
Perkins said she has no insider knowledge of any celebrities stopping by tomorrow, but she remains hopeful as well.
