Michael’s Grill To Close Its Doors at End of Month

Updated Oct. 12 @ 3:25 p.m.

As I ate my lunch at the other day, I heard the waitress say to another table something about “hoping to stay in the area...,” which piqued my interest. Low and behold, I then noticed a neatly typed placard at each table and read that Michael’s Grill would be closing its doors at the end of the month.

The closing comes as a surprise, as has been in Santee since 1987 and has won many awards, including The Best New American Restaurant in the 10 News San Diego County 2010 A-List and the .

Michael’s Grill management even claims to be the “best eatery in East County”—guess someone else will have to claim that title now.

The closure is attributed to the economic situation- a one-two punch of rising prices and a drop in business.

For those that don’t know Michael's Grill, the restaurant features mostly grilled and barbecued entrees with an Asian flair—seared ahi is the signature dish.

Here is the farewell letter that sits upon every table in the restaurant:

As the leaves change and fall we are reminded that all things—seasons, weather and life too—is in a constant state of change. So, after a prosperous, joyful summer of many years here at Michael’s Grill we are following that pattern of change and closing our doors at the end of October. Our lease here in the building is up, and we—Michael, Therese and I—have decided not to renew.

I hesitate to say we are leaving forever. In fact, I can assure you that we have a new project in the works. However, as nothing is final, we really can't give any details. So, for now, we must say farewell.

However, this month, we invite you to join us as we prepare your favorite weekend specials from over the years, special prices on our Private Selection wines and a few other surprises. Yes, it is autumn for us, but we believe it is beautiful nonetheless. From the bottom of our hearts, thank you for the many, many years of support and love. This is a very special community, and we have the best customers around; it has been a great pleasure serving you. We will see all of you when spring comes again.

TT4N,

Joe, Therese, Tom, Albert, Jimmy, Rico, David, Andre, Christy, Heather, Jessica, Kasey, Lauren, Nicole, Shelby, and of course, Michael.

Michael's Grill sent an email to their customers on Wednesday with this message:

Hi Everybody,

It is with great sadness that I have decided to close Michael's Grill.  It was no easy decision.  I have been the proud owner of Michael's Grill (previously CHIC-N-PIGG) for over 23 years and transformed it from a barbecue counter service, "hole in the wall" to a much needed fine dining restaurant that specialized in good food and service.  I believe great food, great service and reasonable prices are the ingredients for a successful restaurant.  With that concept I have become the finest dining restaurant in Santee. However, due to the economic conditions we are facing, we experienced rising costs in all areas while at the same time experiencing a drop in business.  

Michael's Grill meant a lot to me, some of you will remember me and my wife Lai spent most evenings between rushes helping our kids with their homework. The image of my kids jumping from booth to booth when no customers were around is still very vivid in my mind.  Although it was hard on my wife and the kids, business was thriving.  Since I cannot spent time with my family at home, they came and spent time with me at the restaurant.  Life was good.

As the economy turned, business at Michael's Grill started to slow. Last year, I was faced with the decision of whether to renew the lease or not.  After much deliberation, I decided to bring in new younger blood to help turn business around. I brought in new partners, Therese and Joe, who have been working for me on and off for more than 15 years to help me run Michael's Grill. While they were helping me there, I partnered with friends to open a bar and restaurant downtown, Dragon's Den. I was hoping with Joe and Therese's help, we would be able to bring in some younger customers.  I hoped once the new restaurant was on track, I'd be back at Michael's Grill to help run the business.  As you all know, I am still trying to get the restaurant downtown on track and with the economy taking its toll on Michael's Grill.  The lease is up for renewal again, this time with much regret, I think it is time to let go.

I like to thank Joe and Therese for their help in managing Michael's Grill while I was busy downtown, they have done a wonderful job. If it was not for the economy, I am sure they would have made Michael's Grill the hottest place in town.

I like to thank all my guests for your continuing support that you have given.  Most who have known me over the years, are not just customers, instead we have gotten to know each other and you have become part of my family. I hope we will still stay in touch and enjoy those wonderful memories that we had at Michael's Grill, over a drink.

Yours Truly

Michael Lou

They said they'll be pushing out as many of their classic specials as they can before they clsoe, including the Pork Osso Bucco, Lemon Pepper Chicken and Smoked Duck Breast.