Renovated Kwik Way opens in Grand Lake--Burgers are BACK

Susan Mernit Fri, 15 Apr at 6:14am
Kwik Way reborn--photo by Mark Gartland, http://www.facebook.com/home.php?#!/photo.php?fbid=1956373345485&set=a.1612475068243.8

Kwik Way reborn--photo by Mark Gartland, http://www.facebook.com/home.php?#!/photo.php?fbid=1956373345485&set=a.1612475068243.8

The lights are on at Kwik Way, the super-50's burger spot in Grand Lake that's been closed for two years. What's the deal? 

Back in July 2009, Gary Rizzo, owner of the Somerset Restaurant in Rockridge, met with local leaders in Grand Lake and signed a lease, telling folks he would reopen the restaurant with outdoor seating and American comfort food.  However, it's been quiet till now--when OL readers--and others--saw the lights on.

Is Rizzo the owner? We don't know yet--but Kwik Way is back.

Local photog Mark Gartland snapped this photo for us--and a close look at the sign on the door says Kwik Way is open--11 am-10 pm.

So how are the burgers, this time around?

About Susan Mernit
Susan Mernit is the founder of Oakland Local. She is also a circuit rider for The Community Information Challenge, a program of The John S and James L Knight Foundation, and a consultant to non-profit and community organizations. Susan lives in North Oakland, near the Santa Fe school, with her partner Andy, her housemate, a rescue bully dog named Cazzie, and a yard full of ants. She is an aspiring gardener, a long-time blogger & entrepreneur, and a recovering journalist who's found home in Oakland.
Rue Mapp's picture
Rue Mapp commented Array ago

I grew up on this stuff, so this is GREAT news! I wonder if the grape drink is back too!?

Jennifer Schaffer's picture
Jennifer Schaffer commented Array ago

I'm new to the area and not exactlly sure where this is. Could you post the address? Thank you!

Susan Mernit's picture
Susan Mernit commented Array ago

Sure!

500 Lake Park Ave
(between Rand Ave & Lakeshore Ave)
Oakland, CA 94610

Monica's picture
Monica commented Array ago

on Lakepark (b/w Grand and Lakeshore) across from the Farmer's Market site. Between KFC (ick) and Lanesplitter (mmm) 

Brotha Chaz's picture
Brotha Chaz commented Array ago

Great News

 

bigrandall's picture
bigrandall commented Array ago

Corndogs and fries was my staple when i passed by this place in the days way back, and then I got older and wiser :D

Ken Katz's picture
Ken Katz commented Array ago

Gary Rizzo from Somerset is, in fact, the owner/operator of the reborn Kwik Way.  We were there for the opening night yesterday.  I haven't had a hamburger as yet but the barbecued pork sandwich with cole slaw was quite tasty as were the fries.

I've posted the food portion of the menu on this link: http://www.splashpad.org/Kwik Way Menu.jpg.  Last night, I saw one small group leave after viewing the menu.  They were obviously expecting the reincarnation of the old Kwik Way and that's not what this is.  The menu is far more extensive including pizza, Cobb salads and cappucchino and the ingredients are much higher quality.

If you go in the next few days, expect a wait as the chefs and counter personnel are pretty much overwhelmed by the rush of folks who have waited three years for Kwik Way to reopen.  In this day of instant news via the internet, the "soft-opening" concept no longer seems viable.

Susan Mernit's picture
Susan Mernit commented Array ago

I went past last night around 9 PM and saw epic lines outside! Maybe 30 people lined yo for foods, and tons more milling around. How was the food, Ken? And how were the prices?

Livia Isaacson's picture
Livia Isaacson commented Array ago

I went last week with my boyfriend.  I had never been during it's first lifetime, but we were both very impressed with it now!  The wait is a bit longer than you would expect, but once you try the food, it's clear that the extra time = extra quality.

I posted a review here if anyone is interested:

http://prettymuchmyfavorite.com/2011/04/19/make-way-for-kwik-way/

Pamela Drake's picture
Pamela Drake commented Array ago

I'm so excited for our neighborhood that Kwik Way is back filling up a blighted spot with lights , people, and activity; and for Mr. Rizzo who struggled through the worst days of the Great Recession to get the financing and the work done. It should be very gratifying to see the crowds. Thanks also to Pat Kernighan's office for the support they provided and to Ken Katz for offering all kinds of help.

If you're still not sure if burgers are back, check out the opening soon of the Flipside at the site of the old Adams Burgers. They are doing very interesting work on the inside remodel. Can't wait.