NORTH HIGHLANDS, Calif. — In a sudden flip of events, a beloved North Highlands burger joint at risk of being evicted from its building is now staying open and will soon own the building it occupies.
Lou’s Burgers has been open since the 1950s and says they were able to negotiate with the landlord, saving the business.
For more than 60 years, Lou’s has served up what customers call the best burgers in town.
“Ever since I was a kid. I grew up here, I love this place,” said loyal customer Joseph Dobbins.
Just a few days ago the owners were in jeopardy of losing their building on Watt Avenue after trying to negotiate a lease term. Leilan Kitchens says the price was too high.
"We actually went through a whole eviction process. We went to court in June and we agreed to be out by Nov. 1,” said Kitchens.
The owners were encouraged by property management to be preapproved for a loan and make an official offer on the building. The initial price tag was $1 million.
“Just recently we offered $510,000. They went to $650,000. We kind of haggled. We met our final price [and] right now we’re in escrow for $580,000, which is still high but to me it’s worth it if it’s ours versus paying rent,” said Kitchens.
The offer was accepted last-minute the night before the drive-in was set to close keeping customers on edge but still supporting the business where they made unforgettable memories.
"I was really upset. I was here the last night and sat around two and a half, three hours waiting for my food. But when I heard they were staying open, I was so happy,” said Dobbins.
He even stopped by Friday to give Kitchens’ mother $100 for all her hard work.
Paperwork still needs to be finalized to make the deal official, but Kitchens has plans to keep Lou’s open for another 60+ years.
"First order of business though if we do make it ours, is to make Lou's Burgers a historical landmark, so that no one will ever be in this position ever again that owns this, even after us. If we sell it or our kids take over,” said Kitchens.
She adds that she’s happy they were able to negotiate a lower price than initially asked because paying any more would’ve meant selling burgers for twice the price.
The restaurant created a GoFundMe to help with the down payment and repairs on the building. You can find it HERE.
Lou’s Burgers is located at 6229 Watt Ave. It’s open 24 hours on Fridays and from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. the rest of the week.
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