La Cañada Conrad’s to close

Conrad’s Family Restaurant, a fixture on Foothill Boulevard in La Cañada Flintridge for 43 years, will permanently close its doors after the last cup of coffee is poured on May 22, owner Peter Bissias said Wednesday.

“I want to thank the community, the people, the organizations — schools, churches — our very loyal customers and all those who have worked here over the years for supporting the business and allowing us to serve the community,” said Bissias. “It’s been a very special place.”

Conrad’s opened in 1968 as one of the original tenants of the Vons shopping plaza in La Cañada. Founder Conrad Burleson sold the business a short time later to Nick Bissias, who owned and operated the restaurant until his son Peter took over two years ago.

Peter Bissias, who did not discuss reasons for the restaurant’s closure, had worked recently to redesign the restaurant, update its menu and change its name to Oakwood Café. Nick Bissias still operates restaurants in Pasadena and Glendale.

Vons, owners of the shopping plaza, confirmed Conrad’s impending closure in an email this week.
“Conrad’s has been a valued tenant at our shopping center for over 30 years. They recently changed ownership and we have mutually agreed that they would not continue in business at the shopping center,” wrote Carlos Illingworth, a company spokesman. “We hope to be able to announce an exciting new tenant for this location soon.”

Conrad’s will operate under its regular business hours until 11 p.m. on Sunday, May 22.