After 14 years in business, Dad's Kitchen will close its Land Park location on July 28. The restaurant, notably featured on an episode of Guy Fieri's Diners, Drive-ins and Dives for its Hot Blonde Sandwich with Pepperplant Sauce. “It's really disappointing. We heard the news and we walked out. So we're going to be coming here until they close,” said John Pasch, a regular who dined at the restaurant. Dad's Kitchen announced the closure on social media on Wednesday. KCRA 3 visited the restaurant and spoke with the owners, who reflected on their time at the Freeport Boulevard location. “I'm overwhelmed in a lot of ways, but I'm also filled with gratitude. I'm filled with gratitude for the relationships, friendships and community that I've built here. It's definitely changed my life for the better,” said Suki Collins, owner of Dad's Kitchen. Collins said business hasn't been as good as it used to be in recent years, and the restaurant has struggled to stay afloat. “Small businesses are hard. Restaurants are even harder. We're not doing it for a paycheck. We do it because we love to serve and we love serving other people,” Collins said. KCRA spoke with many regulars who came to the establishment on Thursday to enjoy one of its last meals. Many recommend the “Dad's Burger,” a half-pound patty topped with chopped bacon and blue cheese, lettuce, onion, tomato and Aleppo chili, served on an artisan bun. In addition to the food, regulars also loved the service. “They know what we want. We don't even have to ask what beer we want, they just grab a glass and pour it. It's always the right beer,” Steve Park said. Other regulars spoke of their love for the space where they've made memories. Many of the employees told KCRA they've celebrated birthdays, family reunions, graduations and more multiple times. “This is the place to go and talk to all your friends. We love that here,” Whit Poindexter said. Dad's Kitchen plans to spend the next two weeks celebrating its longtime employees and thanking its loyal customers. “We'd like to thank them for their support over the last 14 years,” Collins said. The Fair Oaks location will remain open.
Dad's Kitchen will close its Rand Park location on July 28 after 14 years in business.
The restaurant was featured in an episode of Guy Fieri's “Diners, Drive-Ins & Dives,” specifically its Hot Blonde Sandwich with Pepperplant Sauce.
“It's really disappointing. We heard the news and we went out and we're going to be coming here until they close,” said John Pash, a regular at the restaurant.
Dad's Kitchen announced its closure on social media on Wednesday. KCRA 3 visited the restaurant and spoke with the owners, who reflected on their days at the Freeport Boulevard location.
“I'm overwhelmed in so many ways, but I'm also so grateful for the relationships, friendships and community I've made here. It's definitely changed my life for the better,” said Suki Collins, owner of Dad's Kitchen.
Collins said business hasn't been as good as it used to be in recent years, creating financial challenges to keep the restaurant open.
“Small businesses are tough. Restaurants are even tougher. We're not doing it for the paycheck. We do it because we love hospitality and we love serving other people,” Collins said.
KCRA spoke with many of the regulars who came to enjoy one of the restaurant's final meals on Thursday, and many recommended “Dad's Burger,” a half-pound patty smothered in shredded bacon, blue cheese, lettuce, onion, tomato and Aleppo chiles on an artisanal bun.
In addition to the food, patrons also loved the hospitality.
“They know what we want. I don't even have to ask what beer it is, they just grab a glass and pour it for me, and it's always perfect,” Steve Park said.
Other regulars spoke of their attachment to the space where they've made memories, many of whom told KCRA they've celebrated birthdays, family reunions and graduations there countless times.
“It's a place where we go to talk with all our friends. We love that kind of thing here,” Whit Poindexter said.
Dad's Kitchen will be dedicating the two weeks to honoring its longtime employees and thanking its patrons.
“I want to thank everyone for their support over the past 14 years,” Collins said.
The Fair Oaks store will remain open.
