A beloved restaurant chain has announced its permanent closure after nearly 40 years in business.
The founder of Michael Forbes Grille has confirmed that the restaurant will shut down for good after June 30.
Michael Forbes Grille Closing in June
Since 1985, Michael Forbes Grille has been a significant part of daily life in Kansas City, Missouri's Brookside neighborhood. According to KSHB 41, the popular eatery is set to close its doors as the owner, Forbes Cross, plans to retire.
In a press release, Cross expressed his gratitude for the community's support, highlighting the incredible journey and the honor of being part of the neighborhood. He acknowledged their success was due to the relationships built and the shared passion for food and fellowship.
Cross reflected on his 39-year career, which included managing 14 restaurants, including Parkway 600, Martinis, Michael Forbes Grille, Japengo's, and Union Cafe, calling it his life's work.
According to KMBC, he also expressed gratitude towards his employees and his family including his son, Matt, who worked as the executive chef at Michael Forbes Grille for eight years before starting his own catering company.
Michael Forbes Grille has had a challenging history. It opened in Waldo in 1985, closed in 1999, and reopened in 2012 at a new location in Brookside. In April 2015, an electrical fire forced the restaurant to close for over five months, requiring extensive renovations to its corner location at W. 63rd Street and Brookside Plaza.
In 2015, KSHB 41 anchor Lindsay Shively interviewed Cross about the restaurant's recovery from the fire. On Wednesday, Cross described the decision to close the restaurant and retire as bittersweet but said he felt it was the right time to begin a new chapter.
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Michael Forbes Grille Hosts Farewell Events
According to The U.S. Sun, Michael Forbes Grille is ending, and the owner plans to celebrate the occasion. Over the next few weeks, the restaurant will host special events and introduce new menu items as it approaches its final days.
Cross hopes to see many familiar faces as they say goodbye and reflect on nearly four decades of cherished moments.
Michael Forbes Grille's website posted that on June 16th, they will celebrate Father's Day from 11:00 AM to 8:00 PM, inviting families to treat their dads to a memorable meal.
National Fried Chicken Day follows on July 6th, from 11:00 AM to 10:00 PM, featuring delicious fried chicken dishes. National Vanilla Ice Cream Day is on July 23rd, from 11:00 AM to 9:00 PM, offering the classic dessert.
Moreover, National Scotch Day is on July 27th, from 11:00 AM to 10:00 PM, and a selection of fine Scotch whiskies will be available. National IPA Day will be observed on August 1st, from 11:00 AM to 9:00 PM, and a variety of IPAs will be available.
These events allow the community to gather, celebrate, and reflect on nearly four decades of cherished moments. However, the closure news has left customers stunned and questioning the reasons behind it.
One customer on Yahoo Life wondered if Cross had tried to sell the restaurant before deciding to close it down, noting the potential value of the recipes.
Another customer, reflecting on their experience in the refrigeration business, mentioned that restaurants rarely survive after the founder retires, adding that the saying "It was better when the old man ran it" often holds.
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