A planned sale and transfer of Walnut Hills restaurant has been cancelled.

Announced earlier this month, the restaurant many call a Vicksburg icon was to have passed from longtime owner Joyce Clingan to Vicksburg caterers Barry Palmertree and John Boland.

“The deal just fell through,” Clingan said this morning, characterizing the reversal as resulting from “technical difficulties.”

“The restaurant is open and going strong as usual,” she said today. “We have all our usual good food and all our great staff.”

Clingan would not comment on specifics of the deal or whether a new one is in the works, but said it was important to her that Walnut Hills continue in operation without interruption.

“It was just better for the business if it did not change hands right now,” Palmertree said Monday.

Boland could not be reached.

Walnut Hills, operating in an old home at 1214 Adams St., was opened in 1980 by Kim Ferris, a lifelong Vicksburg resident. It is known for its standard Southern foods such as fried chicken, chicken-fried steak, mustard greens and okra served in three dining areas that include Lazy Susan-type round tables.

Clingan took over the restaurant in 1995 with a partner whose interest she later purchased. The restaurant is a popular spot for residents and a favorite with tourists.

“The important thing is that Vicksburg still has one of its icons,” Clingan said.

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Contact Pamela Hitchins at phitchins@vicksburgpost.com