Kevin Ashford arrived promptly at 9 a.m. on Tuesday, eager to secure the last Steerburger at the Burger Pit on Blossom Hill Road. Donning a Burger Pit T-shirt he had treasured for 15 years, he had already indulged in two full mushroom burgers over the weekend. “I guess I’ve been eating Burger Pit all week,” he chuckled.
Word had spread that the beloved establishment, the last remaining location of the iconic South Bay chain, was running low on supplies. By 11 a.m., over 30 patrons had joined Ashford in line, an hour before the restaurant’s final day of operation. A note on the door informed them that the restaurant would remain open until all supplies were depleted, signaling an earlier closing than the usual 8 p.m.
Scott Tashiro, a loyal customer for decades, had also made the early trek. Despite his age and the assistance of a cane, he had walked the two-mile distance from his home near Hillsdale and Cherry avenues twice in as many days. Such dedication is a testament to the special bond many patrons have with the Burger Pit, a 71-year-old tradition that has witnessed countless family milestones.
For many, the main course at family-oriented restaurants like the Burger Pit is not solely the food but the memories forged within its walls. And while the Blossom Hill location may have closed, those memories will endure in other beloved establishments that continue to thrive or have yet to come.
The future of the iconic Burger Pit sign, featuring a neon “B” shaped like a steer’s head, remains uncertain. The property owner intends to retain the sign’s pole and cabinet, while History San Jose plans to acquire the lettering and neon tubing. A suitable sign cabinet will need to be procured to restore the sign to its former glory.
Meanwhile, starting Wednesday morning at 9 a.m., the remaining Burger Pit inventory will be available for purchase at 1349 Blossom Hill Road. The sale will continue daily through April 30th.
