Central Grille Pasadena, the remodeled and updated version of the former Central Park Cafe at 219 South Fair Oaks Avenue, is closing its doors forever today at 2 p.m., the company said on social media.
Operators David Yost and Randy Hoffman said in a statement today’s service will be “a final brunch to say farewell.”
“It’s been a great run,” they added.
The rebranding last year set off alarm bells with some of its regular patrons.
“Uh oh… a venerable, dependable Pasadena eatery suddenly changes its name, menu, decor and atmosphere? Usually a frantic attempt to save a sinking ship and in our experience, the death knell,” wrote Pasadena Rick G. online in June 2018.
The updated, menu replaced many of the previous clubby, comfort-items with hipper selections.
Yost and Hoffman operate a group of local restaurants including Canoe House and Shakers in South Pasadena, The Diner on Main in Alhambra and Central Grille in Glendale.