Kendall’s Grill
On Blue Ridge Drive in the Monaghan neighborhood, there’s a restaurant just as passionate about people as it is about food. Their mission is simple: “Real people, real food.”
“We’re relationally driven as much as we are quality driven,” says Kendall Tolston, the owner of Kendall’s Grill.
Kendall began working at the restaurant back when it was Bikas Drive-In. At 13, he would walk there from his home in the Berea area on the West Side. Over time, he developed a love for the food industry. When Bikas was set to close, 18-year-old Kendall bought the place and made it his own.
Now 28, with culinary school and a decade of restaurant ownership under his belt, Kendall continues to serve his community. Kendall is open about his faith in Jesus and views his work as ministry. Christian music often plays overhead, and he has built meaningful relationships with a loyal base of regulars. He’s also hired friends in need of a fresh start during tough times.
According to kendallsgrill.com, “All active-duty police, military, EMS, and firemen receive a 50% discount on their meal.All teachers and school district employees receive a 15% discount, and every Tuesday night children from our community eat for free.”
It’s impressive, especially when you realize that none of the food is frozen— everything is fresh and expertly prepared before dawn. Walk into Kendall’s Grill and you’ll find a retro, 70’s-style joint with an orange roof and vintage signs adorning the walls. There are nods to Pepsi, Texaco, and even a tribute to the old Bikas Drive-In.
Guests can sit wherever they’d like—there are outdoor tables with orange umbrellas, a countertop bar, and plenty of booths. The food philosophy is: “Simple food, done right.” You can order a salad, a sandwich, or one of their 30 different milkshakes. Personally, I love their burgers. To Kendall’s, “Burgers are life.” If you order the John Wayne or Johnny Cash burger, you’ll leave satisfied.
Restaurant longevity is a challenge, with some statistics claiming most don’t make it past year three. When I asked Kendall about his success, he said the key is to “figure out what your neighborhood actually wants to eat and serve them accordingly.”
He recalled trying to get too fancy with breakfast options, which didn’t sell well. So he simplified the menu, and now has a steady stream of hungry neighbors walking in each morning.
His approach reminded me of something Jesus taught 2,000 years ago that applies to every part of life: “Therefore, whatever you want men to do to you, do also to them” (Matthew 7:12).
We hope all of you, near and far, will make your way over to Kendall’s Grill. Kendall will shake your hand, ask your name, chat with you, and make you a burger—all at the same time.
