Owner of Ingrid’s Kitchen selling business
Ingrid’s Kitchen owner Lee Burrus is selling his business, but he hopes to ensure it will stay open.
The popular restaurant, which has two locations, has been open for 40 years. Burrus purchased the business 17 years ago, but is nearing the end of his time as owner.
“I’m selling because I’m retiring,” Burrus said. “I’ve been working for a long time, and I’m just ready. It’s a tough decision, but sometimes you’ve got to do what you’ve got to do.”
Burrus is looking to sell to someone willing to keep the business going, much like he did. Before purchasing Ingrid’s, Burrus owned a catering business.
“When my catering business was operating I would come in (to Ingrid’s Kitchen) to get cakes,” Burrus said. “One day I was looking through the Sunday papers and saw Ingrid’s was selling and I broke my neck to get to the phone, and three days later I was signing the lease.”
The business expanded to a second location four years ago. The original store is at 3701 N Youngs Blvd. and the expansion shop can be found at 6501 N May Ave.
Ingrid’s Kitchen was visited by celebrity chef Guy Fieri for the TV show “Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives” in 2009 and appeared on the show in 2010. Burrus said the experience is something he’ll never forget.
While it is for sale, Burrus will continue to work at Ingrid’s Kitchen until he finds someone to continue the business. Selling it to someone with plans to close is not an option he wishes to take.
“I’d have too many people mad at me,” Burrus said.