Joe's Cable Car to Close March 16

After nearly half a century in business, iconic Excelsior burger palace Joe's Cable Car is saying goodbye in mid-March. As CBS reports, owner Joe Obegi has decided to retire, and the old-school burger joint is closing with him. He's apparently had offers to sell the space, but has refused because he doesn't want the burgers to change.

One of our all-time favorite Lifers interviews has more on Obegi's backstory, but here are the major details: Obegi, a native Armenian, joined the restaurant as a manager in his college days, then took over as its owner in 1968. With a distaste for fast-food burgers and anyone who orders well-done, Obegi encourages customers to think of his patties as "ground steak," with prices to match. His burgers have drawn fans from all over the world, and he even made an appearance with human Sea-Doo Guy Fieri on a 2008 episode of Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives, which led to lines at the restaurant that clocked as many as 700 customers per day. Obegi's final day in business will be March 16; no word on who might be succeeding him in the space.

· Famed Joe's Cable Car Restaurant Closing Up Shop [CBS]
· Lifers: Joe Obegi of Joe's Cable Car Talks Burgers [~ ESF ~]