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May 7, 2008 6:37 am US/Pacific
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Landmark Sacramento Restaurant Shutting Its Doors
Reporting
Anny Hong
SACRAMENTO (CBS13) ―
A landmark Sacramento restaurant is shutting its doors, a victim of the economy and competition.
California Fat's Asian Grill and Steakhouse in Old Sacramento is closing down after 35 years.
The Fat family has a 60 year history of running several successful restaurants in the Sacramento area. California Fat's is the first restaurant the family opened when they wanted to expand on the success of Frank Fat's in downtown Sacramento.
CFO Jerry Fat blames the slow economy and increased competition as the main reasons for closing the Old Sacramento landmark.
It originally opened in 1973 as China Camp and it helped the family business grow into seven restaurants.
"I think we started the recession last year, just before Thanksgiving, we were seeing a slow down in sales," said Jerry Fat.
Fat says all of his restaurants are taking a hit, including Fat City, which is next door in Old Sacramento.
Despite the economic downtown that is hitting the country, man were surprised to hear California Fat's had shut its doors for good.
"It really brought people to the waterfront. It was beneficial to old town," lamented West Sacramento resident Bill Kristoff.
The Fat family says this doesn't mean they're slowing down. In fact, they believe it actually may be a good thing.
"In the long run, it'll make us into a stronger company," said Fat.
California Fat's is now being used for private parties like receptions and banquets.
The Fat family says it's looking into all options on what to do with the space, including leasing it out to another business. And they haven't completely ruled out opening another restaurant in the same location.
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