SLO County burger joint closes just shy of third anniversary. Here’s why
AI-generated summary reviewed by our newsroom.
- Babydudes in Morro Bay closed after three years of burger and sandwich service.
- Owners launched Babydudes post-COVID, highlighting local food and inclusivity.
- Storefront now available for rent; furnishings and equipment offered for sale.
A San Luis Obispo County restaurant known for its smash burgers and sandwiches has closed after three years in business.
Babydudes recently shut its doors at 315 Morro Bay Blvd. in Morro Bay.
The eatery’s last day in business was Sept. 1, co-owner Tali Petschek told The Tribune.
“Closing was a decision that took a long time to come to but was one with no turning back,” they said. “The Central Coast is not yet ready for the type of business we set out to be.”
Now on Babydudes’ Instagram profile, the restaurant calls itself “formerly a place.”
Here’s why the popular sandwich shop closed:
How did Morro Bay burger restaurant get started?
Petschek launched Babydudes with their business and life partner, Hannah Jacobs, as a coffee shop in New York ahead of the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Brooklyn business closed during the coronavirus-related lockdown.
Jacobs and Petschek decided to re-open the eatery as a burger and sandwich shop in Morro Bay on Sept. 3, 2022, according to previous Tribune reporting.
The goal of Babydudes was to provide “full-service food in a limited-service environment,” Jacobs said previously.
At the time, the couple told The Tribune that Babydudes was focused on creating an all-inclusive atmosphere with as many locally sourced ingredients as possible incorporated into meals.
Petschek said the eatery was created as an authentic gathering space for young queer people who “are finding their way,” they told The Tribune in an email.
What was on the menu at Babydudes?
Menu items at Babydudes included an array of smash burgers, sandwiches and salads, ranging from a green chili cheeseburger and a fancy grilled cheese sandwich to a chicken salad sandwich and a vegan burger, according to its online menu.
Babydudes also sold espresso drinks, wine and beer and Straus Family Creamery soft-serve ice cream with housemade toppings.
“For us, the most important part of the dining experienced is feeling nourished in mind and body,” Jacobs previously told The Tribune. “We pride ourselves on incredible customer service (with) familiarity and warmth.”
Besides food, the burger joint had a rotating selection of pinball machines for arcade lovers, according to the restaurant’s website.
Why did SLO County sandwich shop shut down?
Babydudes closed up shop just ahead of the eatery’s three-year anniversary at its downtown spot in Morro Bay.
Petschek said running the restaurant had become too costly and challenging over time.
“The communities we want to serve — particularly in this timeframe of the world — don’t have money to spend on ‘extras,’ which is what going out to eat or drink is,” they said. “While it is so important for a vibrant community, it is also not what a tight budget allows.”
The Babydudes owners said they had “an awakening that we want more return for our efforts.”
Now the couple plans to rejuvenate their mental health and spend more time with family, Petschek said.
Community members reacted to the news of the closure with a mixture of disappointment and frustration.
“Aw, what a bummer. I was really hoping they’d make it,” one Reddit user wrote. “Their food was great, cool vibes, nice spot.”
Downtown Morro Bay location for rent, furniture for sale
On Tuesday, Sept. 30, a large sheet of white paper taped to the main window of Babydudes announced that the storefront is currently available to rent.
“Kitchen + courtyard for rent,” the sign read. “Contact BabyDudesFoods@gmail.com for details about turn key food business.”
A large “For Rent” sign from Horizon Realty & Property Management was also displayed in the window, while stacks of tables, chairs and shelves could be seen inside the Morro Bay Boulevard space.
Now, the owners are in the process of cleaning the Morro Bay space and breaking down equipment. Petschek said they are also searching for someone to take over the lease to the kitchen and courtyard who can “keep the vibe alive.”
Babydudes was selling wooden tables, chairs, stools, a couch and even a vintage pinball machine, the business said in an Instagram story on Monday, Sept. 29.
The restaurant also issued a “curb alert” on social media with a photo of shelves, glassware, a tea kettle, salt and pepper shakers and other miscellaneous items strewn in front of the Morro Bay storefront.
After shutting down Babydudes, Petschek said they miss the people the most.
“I am sorry I couldn’t do it for them and I know in my heart they understand,” they said.
