The new owners of Harmony Lunch plan to fire up the grill once again.

Former owner Bruce Marks recently sold the property to HIP Developments and Melloul-Blamey Construction. Chef Nick Benninger, of Uptown 21 and Taco Farm, will oversee the kitchen and introduce craft beers to the drink menu.

“I’m over the moon about maintaining someone else’s legacy,” said Benninger. “It helps I’m a long-time customer and advocate for Harmony Lunch’s sliders.”

He plans to keep Harmony Lunch’s classic diner feel with fresh pork sliders and fried onions as the menu anchors.

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“We’ll serve everything you expect, but with more surprises and elevated cuisine,” he said. “I love the idea of playing into the German feel of the place.”

Partnering in the project is Benninger’s brother Joe Benninger and business partners Bob Schmalhoffer and Goran Rakita. Earlier this year the team purchased and renovated Marbles. They transformed the former 1870s stable-turned restaurant into a casual dining spot with exposed brick and beams, tin ceiling, vintage lighting and copper bar top.

For Harmony Lunch, Benninger said they’re planning minor renovations, like rebuilding the washrooms, and will reopen in four to five months.

“There will be a bigger flat top right in the same place,” said Benninger. “I want to be at that grill flipping sliders as often as I can.”

The Marks family owned and operated Harmony Lunch at 90 King St. N. for 86 years, before selling it at the end of October. Cheryl Marks, Bruce’s daughter, has been sharing information and stories about the place with Benninger.

“They’re very happy to have a restaurateur to take over,” Benninger said. “I look forward to taking them along with us in this journey, for as long as they want.”