Former Robin’s BBQ Building Sold

The iconic building which formerly housed Robin’s Wood Fire BBQ restaurant at 395 North Rosemead Boulevard in East Pasadena and has sat empty since August 2019 was sold Tuesday to a Pasadena-based space robotics company, according to a realtor representing seller Robin Salzer.

Bill Ukropina of Coldwell Banker Commercial’s Pasadena Office said that the buyer, Second Stage Property, LLC, paid $4 million for the 5,883 square foot property, which is located at 395 N. Rosemead Blvd. The buyer’s broker is Kyle Barratt of CBRE.

Salzer purchased the property in 1982 and was the owner of Robin’s Wood Fire BBQ for nearly 40 years.

“After 41 years in the restaurant industry, I retired seven months before  COVID-19 took its toll on the world. My timing was a true blessing and I am just as blessed to sell my property to an incredible local Pasadena business, Motiv Space Systems,” Salzer told Pasadena Now Tuesday night. “From ribs to robots, the property’s next chapter will be exciting to watch. 

“On a very personal note, I would like to thank everyone who ever walked through my front door, guest or staff, visited Robin’s at the Rose Bowl or special event or gave Robin’s the opportunity to be your caterer. Thank you for allowing my kitchen to be your kitchen. Without your love and support 37 wonderful years could have been 37 months. I will forever be grateful to all of you for allowing my entrepreneurial dreams to come true.”

Ukropina said the transaction is a “win-win” for both parties and that the tenant will be Motiv Space Systems of Pasadena.

“I am very pleased Motiv is remaining in Pasadena because they are a very successful research and development company and employ a highly trained workforce,” he said.

He said Motiv plans to occupy the building “very soon,” after renovations are completed.