Make It a Double at the Lantern Inn

Randy Patnoe, owner of the Lantern Inn in Milbank, says Tuesday was double night. The dining room portion of his business is closed, but the bar remains open with dine in and carry out available. On Tuesday evening, two women came in about the same time and sat several seats down from each other. They didn’t interact, but enjoyed their dinners and decided to leave at about the same time. Each paid with a card, but as Patnoe started processing the second card, he did a double take. Both cards had the same first and last name. 

He and the second guest determined the woman who had departed first had the wrong card. Patnoe raced out of the restaurant (you could even say he left on the double) and chased the woman down. He reunited each of the ladies with their original card and introduced them to each other.  He said they then started up a conversation. Patnoe didn’t comment on whether or not they engaged in any double talk, but said, “You never know who you might run into at the Lantern.” You might meet yourself or someone pretty close to it. Or even a new friend. Maybe even one whose name you’ll never forget.