A local restaurant group known for reinventing classic local dining icons has added another iconic name to its portfolio. The move signals an embrace of budget friendly dining experiences for the upmarket restaurateurs.
Local burger legend Kirk’s Steakburgers, announced the sudden closure of its Campbell location at the end of October. The steakhouse occupied the 2388 S Bascom Ave. location since Dwight Eisenhower was president.
“For 70 years we have been lighting the coals of our famous indoor BBQ. We have served up mouth watering steakburgers to the many generations that have come through our doors on Bascom Ave,” wrote Kirk’s Steakburgers in an October 29 Facebook post. “With every door that closes, another one opens.”
Burger lovers fear not. Kirk’s isn’t going away permanently. Instead, it’s relocating across the street to occupy the spot of another popular eatery, Grill Em.
“Both locations share a lot of the same customer base because they’re just down the street from each other,” said Chef Maurice Carrubba, who recently took over at Kirk’s Steakburgers. “Additionally, we have some employees who’ve worked for the company for nearly 20 years. They’re an integral part of the operation and the heart of the business. Everyone’s got a home with us.”
In addition to keeping the same staff, Kirk’s will also maintain the same menu. “Really the only difference will be that we’ll have a full bar with more TVs,” said Carrubba. “Beers, burgers and sports. Grill Em was known to have a really nice smoker, so we’re playing around with that and a few collaborations with chefs from our restaurant group. We’ll add a few items that are a little more bar friendly, but keep the menu mostly the same.”
Carrubba and his brother Giuseppe also own the Mount Hamilton Grandview, La Foret, Osteria Toscana Palo Alto, Caffe Riace and San Benito House.
The relocation was prompted by the CRP Affordable Housing and Community Development’s purchase of the location. The San Diego development enterprise plans to groundbreak in January as long as funding is secured, according to a Council memorandum on the project. The site is designated for low-income housing.
Kirk’s is still in limbo and has yet to announce a reopening date but did say on Facebook: “Rest assured we are doing everything in our power in order to re-open as quickly as possible. We are hoping to be in and ready to serve by the end of November.”
So yes or no to steaks?