Fans flock to eat at San Jose's Burger Pit months ahead of planned permanent closure
SAN JOSE – A long-operating business in the South Bay's Blossom Hill neighborhood that plans to close next spring is already drawing fans who want to enjoy the greasy spoon's burgers as many times as possible before the end.
For five decades, Paul Berger has been frying up patties at the Burger Pit. His dad started up the original Burger Pit in 1953. They've been keeping the grill hot at the Blossom Hill Road location since 1964.
But the still popular business will be closing up shop in April of next year.
"My landlord has decided not to renew the lease," Berger said. "I'm going to miss it."
Berger thinks the real estate will likely be turned into some sort of new development. He's not sure about his plans.
"I'll be 75 when we close up and it'll be time to relax a little bit," he said.
With news of the impending closure, long-time customers are coming back for another taste.
"I've probably been coming here for 35 years," said regular David Wright. "You get a warm greeting, good food. It's unfortunate. You feel like it's an era coming to an end."
It's not just burgers they're ordering. The Burger Pit's memorial coffee cups are one of the hottest items on the menu.
I sold 288 of them and [have an] order for at least another 12 dozen from people who want them already," said Berger.
Berger's always prided himself on serving what people want.
"It's pretty straight forward, but it's what you want when you want a burger," he explained.
As for Berger himself, he sees potential for another course down the road.
"I have a couple of recipes here that people have hounded me for. Maybe I'll do something small, just to keep myself busy," Berger said.