Michael Forbes Grille opened in Waldo in 1985, closed in 1999 and reopened in 2012 in Brookside at 128 W. 63rd St.
It will close again, this time permanently, on June 30. Owner Forbes Cross is retiring.
“It is with a mixture of gratitude and sadness that we announce the closing of Michael Forbes Grille after 39 wonderful years of serving the Kansas City community,” Cross said in a statement. “I am extremely proud of what we have achieved and the legacy we have left behind.”
For Cross, that includes opening 14 restaurants in the Kansas City area, such as Parkway 600 and Japengo’s in Country Club Plaza, Martini’s in Leawood and Union Cafe in Union Station. (There was also, briefly, a Michael Forbes Grille in Prairie Village in the early 2000s.)
Cross began working for Gilberto/Robinson, the KC-based national restaurant chain that owned Houlihan’s, The Bristol, Annie’s Santa Fe and others. In 1984, he became general manager of The Bristol.
He opened Michael Forbes Grille the following year near Wornall Road and 75th Street, serving hearty American dishes such as fried chicken, pot roast soup, fried catfish and the KC Auctioneer (smoked roast beef, shaved ham, cheddar cheese, tomato and barbecue sauce) .
Cross said the coming weeks will feature special events and menu items celebrating the restaurant’s history.
“We hope to see many familiar faces as we say goodbye and reflect on nearly four decades of cherished moments,” Cross said.
