Rita Finally Gets Her Restaurant, and Coral Gables Residents Get Their Community Back

Javier Baños

Baños is the Editor of Gables Insider

The City of Coral Gables has finally reached a resolution that promises to restore a beloved local institution to its former glory. On July 9, 2024, the City Commission gave its final approval to a lease with Bogey Grill, LLC, marking a significant victory for both the community and Rita Tennyson, the former manager of Burger Bobs.’

A New Chapter for a Cherished Venue

Rita Tennyson, operating under her entity Bogey Grill, LLC, has been approved as the new tenant for the Granada Golf Course eatery, formerly known as Burger Bob’s. This decision, which comes after years of community advocacy and legal wrangling, is seen as a triumphant return for a venue that has long been a social hub for Coral Gables residents.

The lease encompasses a five-year term with an option for a five-year renewal, bringing a new chapter to the storied location at 2001 Granada Boulevard. The city’s investment of over $1 million in renovations reflects a commitment to transforming what was once a simple, unassuming burger joint into a modern yet familiar gathering place.

Rita Tennyson, who worked alongside Bob for countless years, is widely regarded as the ideal steward for the revitalized diner. Known for her neighborly charm and deep connections with the community, Tennyson embodies the spirit of Burger Bob’s, a place where “everybody knows your name.”

The road to this resolution has been anything but smooth. The previous city administration faced criticism for its handling of the situation, including the controversial attempted eviction of Burger Bob’s during the pandemic. The involvement of Holland & Knight, a powerful law firm, added a David-and-Goliath dimension to the struggle, ultimately leading to Bob stepping aside and paving the way for the resolution of today.

The decisions of former City Manager Peter Iglesias left Coral Gables taxpayers footing a hefty bill for the renovations. However, the current City Commission, particularly Commissioner Kirk Menendez, has worked tirelessly to rectify these past missteps. Their efforts have culminated in a resolution that not only revitalizes a local landmark but also fosters community spirit.

Commissioner Menendez has dedicated countless hours to ensuring a resident-focused outcome. His persistence has been instrumental in bringing this five-year saga to a positive conclusion. The new lease represents a commitment to the community’s desires and a recognition of the importance of local traditions.

A Place for Community and Connection

In a time when many are seeking a sense of normalcy and togetherness, the return of this community jewel is a welcome development. Burger Bob’s was more than just a diner; it was a place where residents could gather, share a meal, and enjoy each other’s company away from the hustle and bustle of downtown. Its unique location and homey atmosphere made it a cherished part of the Coral Gables landscape.

Rita Tennyson’s deep roots in the community and her experience at Burger Bob’s position her perfectly to carry forward its legacy. The new establishment, while modernized, will retain the traditional charm that made the original diner a beloved icon.

As the city nears the completion of the $1.327 million renovation project, there is a palpable sense of anticipation among Coral Gables residents. The revamped diner is expected to open its doors by the end of September 2024, once again offering a welcoming space for friends and neighbors to connect.

The City Commission’s approval of this lease is a testament to their dedication to community values and local heritage. It is a feel-good story at a time when the community needs it most. The return of this cherished gathering place signifies more than just a new lease; it symbolizes the resilience and unity of Coral Gables.

Rita Tennyson’s leadership ensures that the spirit of Burger Bob’s will live on, providing a sense of continuity and comfort for longtime patrons and new visitors alike. The City of Coral Gables, through this resolution, has not only restored a beloved venue but has also reaffirmed its commitment to fostering a close-knit, vibrant community.

22 thoughts on “Rita Finally Gets Her Restaurant, and Coral Gables Residents Get Their Community Back”

Just like Hard Rock Stadium will always be Joe Robbie Stadium..this will always be Burger Bob’s. Let’s not erase the past. It’s why we live in Coral Gables.

It was Burger Bob’s for years. And it will always be Burger Bob’s!
(No matter what you name it)

EJK

Nice to see the little guys win for a change!

So happy Burger Bob’s is reopening under Rita’s Management. We lived 25 years in Coral Gables before we moved overseas and in those years unless my husband Les was out of town, he would have breakfast every day and often lunch there. We have been visiting Coral Gables a couple of months a year and cannot express how happy we are that we will be able to join our friends once again at this iconic Granada Golf restaurant.

I remember after Irma some people walked in and everyone said Threy have electricity! Loved the hot dogs and friendly service! Glad its coming back!

It will take a while to warm up to the new and improved? Burger Bob’s (I thought the old establishment felt like home) but it won’t take any time to warm up to Rita. She is a great person and a terrific “cook”. Can’t wait to see what new treats she has in store for us.

Congratulations to Rita and her family! I have had two generations of kids sit on those counter bar stools while Rita or Bob cooked them French toast or a burger on the grill. It was always great to walk in and see friends enjoying coffee after their breakfast and chatting. It’s a gesture towards small-town life and community! Great move!

Congrats to Rita and her team and to bring back cherished Burger Bob’s. It was missed!

On a similar note, the city should also revisit the proposal put forth by Liberty Group a few years ago and restore the former lease for the Coral Gables Country Club. Free up city resources and make it a profit center once again for the city and not the burden and tax payer expense it has become.

👍👍👍👍

“Burger Bob’s” iconic name should be kept.

Hanging on to the nostalgia on the Coral Gables greenways has not only emotional value but economic value to boot. Keeping to the original name will contribute to Rita’s success. The rent is steep and the venue needs to sell a lot of burgers in order to be viable.

More than a burger, Burger Bob’s is an institution. An institution embedded in situ on the historic Granada Golf Course. Part of the neighborhood fabric for close to 30 years. This place’s nostalgia is an “economic asset.” Keeping the “Burger Bob” concept is more about the familiar than about the food. The simple dining concept with its comfort food complements its surroundings and blends in with the greens. It does not encroach on the historic golf course; it enhances it. Burger Bob’s represents the home-style experience neighbors and residents have come to value and love. Burger Bob’s is more than the burger. It is about a place that matters. A former city mayor observed, “The neighborhood loves Bob’s…it reminds us of the old days.” A 73-year resident has been going to Bob’s on a regular basis for over 20 years. She describes Burger Bob’s as “… an iconic place that there are not enough of.”

PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE advocate to keep the “Burger Bob’s” iconic brand name. This site is a cultural nostalgic landmark. The name conjures good feelings of the neighborhood. No matter, the place will always be referred to/known as “Burger Bob’s”…

I am not sure if it is a legal issue? Maybe the name is not available? However, if the name is available it should be acquired. Why not keep the “Burger Bob’s” name while adding a new variation? My recommendation is to create a hybrid name such as “The Place @ Burger Bob’s” or “Burger Bob’s on the Greenways” or “Burger Bob’s on the Greens” or “The Grill at Burger Bob’s” or “Burger Bob’s @ Granada Golfcourse” or any other …

Such as the example of the recently sold landmark Sunset Corners. The new owners are keeping the brand “Sunset” name but adding their own variation: “Jensens at Sunset Corners.” This is a smart move, fusing emotional and economic values.

“Burger Bob’s” has been part of residents collective memory for decades, let’s continue to keep the memory alive. Good luck Rita!

I continue to be amazed how KFC controls the narrative of Gables Insider. There’s no mention of the rent payment, which was the contentious issue back when the whole debate began.

I suspect this will be removed since it doesn’t follow the KFC narrative, and we all know this is not a real democracy where free speech is encouraged and allowed.

Congratulations to Rita Tennyson and her family. This is well deserved and I am very happy to hear she has been awarded the new lease. Burger Bob’s should continue it’s legacy and Rita and her family are the perfect people to do so.

Congratulations & so happy to hear that Rita & staff will be managing the restaurant!
Thanks to all! Chuck & Sandra Dale (Chuck was the starter at the golf course for many years!)

Great news long overdue. Burger Bob’s was a great local spot for a quick good meal or a meet up with friends. So happy it’s coming back. Let’s all support Rita in her new venture.

I used to eat a quick breakfast at Burger Bobs with friends before tee off every Sunday morning. And usually a cold beer right after 9 holes. The diner atmosphere was perfect. I’m looking forward to going back to see the renovations. Is Rita’s daughter Saesha returning as well?

Let’s hope the new Burger Bob’s addresses the fly (bzzz) situation they had going on in the former restaurant. I get the nostalgia, and liked the food, but c’mon the place was borderline disgusting. I love an old diner, but please please please keep the place clean and free of insects flying around the grill as you cook. You know I’m right!

Best wishes and congratulations to all who had a hand in making this effort a success. Very much looking forward to the opening of this wonderful addition to our local landscape..

What is the rent payment? Isn’t that fact something that should be included in this story?

This article could have been half as long and given the same information. Chat GPT is no good.

Congratulations to Rita, her family, and the community. My family’s “tradition” of going to Burger Bob’s will continue. Thank you to all of the people involved in making this happen!!!