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Duo finds luck in a community-Focused business Model
March/April 2004

In January 2004, the North Carolina Restaurant Association honored Dennis and Nancy Quaintance with its prestigious Restauranteur of the Year Award. This Award Recognizes restaurant owners or operators who make positive contributions to their communities and to overall image of the food service industry.

With criteria that focuses on community and positive contributions, it is easy to see why Dennis and Nancy easily came to mind. At the heart of their very successful Business organization is a clear vision that service and community are intertwined. Community, as Dennis is quick to point out, not just defines their quest, but also their staff members,

The mission statement of Quaintance-Weaver Restaurants & Hotels, as Dennis and Nancy tell it, has been key in their success. They truly believe that success is only a by-product of worthwhile objectives: those that are of genuine service to the community. It’s a winning formula.

Dennis and Nancy started their careers in the foodservice industry in 1989 when they opened their first Lucky32 restaurant in Greensboro. The restaurant, named after Dennis’ father’s racecar-a ’46 Mercury-has been followed by three more Lucky 32 eateries in surrounding areas and the O. Henry Hotel and its adjacent restaurant, the Green Valley Grill.

While the Green Valley Grill offers a changing menu of European regional and ethnic cuisine, Lucky 32 serves up decidedly American fare with a flare that is all Quaintance. Ever progressive and in tune with their “community” of quest, Dennis and Nancy have added take out/ curb services to the Lucky 32 line up. The “Get Lucky & Go” menu is available for family picnics, tailgate parties and business lunches. Members of the Lucky 32 team bring the take-out orders right to their quest’ cars, so that tight schedules won’t interfere with eating well. In addition, the restaurant offers a “ Heat & Eat “ menu option, with selections that are prepared at Lucky 32’s kitchen but cooked and enjoyed at home. Guest can even take home a reasonably-priced bottle of wine to accompany the meal.

With 15 successful years behind them, it is clear that the Quaintance Duo knows how to do things right. It is also clear that they both love what they do. Both Dennis and Nancy, in addition to being committed to their business, are equally involved in the community in which they live. They are active in numerous organizations and serve in many leadership positions.