‘The pandemic has attacked us’: Gables mainstay Burger Bob’s to close in February

After months of lease extensions, rent forgiveness and community support to “save Burger Bob’s,” Coral Gables’ unpretentious burger joint on the Granada Golf Course will take its last orders of greasy spoon breakfast plates and retro-style sandwiches next month.

According to a city spokeswoman, the restaurant’s last day will be Feb. 13. The restaurant will be hosting a goodbye celebration Sunday afternoon.

“This has been a very difficult decision for my entire staff and I. It has been an extremely difficult two years; the pandemic has attacked us in ways that we could’ve never imagined,” someone wrote on the Burger Bob’s Facebook page Friday morning. “While we appreciate the city’s gesture to give us three more months it really isn’t a proper way to run a business ... This has been a second home to me for the last 30 years and it has been a pleasure to serve you and your families, but I feel the time has come for me to stand down.”

Last month, owner Robert “Bob” Maguire, 85, signed a lease extension with the city, giving him until the end of March to continue operating. The lease would be on a month-to-month basis, giving Maguire or the city the opportunity to end the lease at any time.

In June, the city put out its first request for proposals to take over his lease and rehab the aging restaurant, expressing interest in a “chef-driven restaurant concept” with operators who will have direct involvement with the business. The only two bidders were Rodney Barreto — Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission chairman and influential lobbyist — and Rita Tennyson, a 45-year-old chef and veteran of the restaurant who runs the day-to-day operations.

Tennyson said she still plans to be part of the bidding process even though “it’s a really tough time for all of us.”