End of an era: Bob's Courthouse Restaurant in Redwood City to close on Sunday

A downtown Redwood City staple, Bob's Courthouse Restaurant on Broadway, will close this Sunday after more than 20 years of serving the community.

The landlord bought out the Bryants, who have owned the business since 1989. At 3 p.m. Sunday, the doors will close on the popular diner for the last time, said owner Bob Bryant. It won't be vacant for long. A Japanese restaurant has leased the facility, which could take 60 to 90 days to renovate, said owner Irene Bryant.

"There are a lot of memories," said Bob Bryant.

The couple has worked together at the downtown diner since the beginning. Downtown changed around their business with the building of a theater and renovation of Courthouse Square.

In 2004, the Scott Peterson murder trial in Redwood City brought lots of media attention to the cafe as Bob Bryant had a chance to meet family members and attorneys close to the trial.

Downtown renovations had some negative effects on the business which resulted in a lawsuit against the city in March 2007.

The lawsuit claimed the movie theater project was delayed for nearly a year due to the city's "inadequate planning, sporadic performances of work and substandard work" that resulted in the prolonged closure of Broadway, Marshall Street and Middlefield Road. The street closures affected both employee and customer parking, according to the lawsuit.

The lawsuit sought unspecified damages for repairs to the building, injury to business goodwill, loss of profits and expenses incurred by Bryant as a result of the construction.

Sports stars and well-known judges have dined at the restaurant run by the couple who have enjoyed their time working side by side.

Nina Kadera, president of the Redwood City Downtown Business Group, was excited for the Bryants but also sad to lose a downtown staple.

"We're glad to see them retire. They deserve to retire," she said.

She estimated it has been in downtown Redwood City longer than any other business.

Heather Murtagh can be reached by e-mail: heather@smdailyjournal.com or by phone: (650) 344-5200 ext. 105.