The Boiler Room in Bradenton about to close. Long-time fans pack the place one last time
Hugs, handshakes and hamburgers were the order of the day Tuesday at a Bradenton landmark, The Boiler Room Bar & Grill, which is closing Saturday.
“What a way to go out,” owner Matt LaVallee, 62, said, as he looked around the establishment at 5600 Manatee Ave. W., crowded with regulars wanting just one more steakburger or cheesesteak.
LaVallee said that he thought that he might just quietly shut the business down, but regulars were having none of that, considering The Boiler’s Room’s long history and track record of having some of the best burgers and fries in town.
At times there was a line at the door as customers waited for a seat to come open along the bar or in one of the booths.
“I have been a resident here all my life. I grew up here and love Bradenton. I am very overwhelmed by all the great people who have shown their appreciation for the many years we have been in business. Everything will be alright,” LaVallee said.
LaVallee took over the business in 1983, and moved it to its current location in 1984.
“It’s time,” he said of the decision to close The Boiler Room. “I wish everyone a happy new year. My wife and family have been great supporters.”
The mood inside The Boiler Room was bittersweet.
“We come in here like three times a week. I like the bacon double cheeseburger. I have no idea where I am going to get a steak sandwich now. Man, I can’t believe he’s closing,” Geno Saunders said.
Jennifer Richardson said she will miss the family environment as well as the wings and steak and cheese, but she understands why LaVallee decided to close the business.
“He’s here day and night. He works hard. He’s always here for the kids with a lollipop,” she said.
Bill Webster, who has been coming to The Boiler Room since 1995, called the decision to close a shock.
Tuesday, he sat at the bar with his three sons, and thought about his favorites, what he called a trifecta: cheesesteaks, hamburgers and patty melts.
“It’s impossible to leave here hungry” Webster said.
As for the future of the property, LaVallee said he has not made any decision about that yet.
The decision by LaVallee to close his long-time business is reminiscent of that made by the owner of another long-time burger business in 2016.
Lawton Smith closed Council’s Burgers at 536 12th St., saying it was time to let it go.
“I don’t want to,” Smith said at the time. “It’s a sad thing, but I just can’t do it anymore. Council’s needs young blood. It needs a shot of young, and I’m hoping someone will step up and want to take it over.
Eventually, new owners bought Council’s and continue to operate it.
This story was originally published January 8, 2020 at 5:00 AM.
