Chuck’s Steak House owners discuss selling Auburn building, seeking new home

In September, Steve Londregan and Tom Flynn, owners of Chuck’s Steak House in Auburn officially announced they were looking to sell the restaurant property and relocate the business.

The owners, in a Worcester Business Journal story, said the business uses only half of the “nearly 60-year-old building’s 13,000 square feet, and doesn’t need the property’s three acres.”

Londregan said the plan to move to an appropriate-sized location began about six months ago. The owners are working with Worcester broker Kelleher & Sadowsky Associates and Webster-based developed Galaxy Development. Proposals for the property were due Oct. 17, and Londregan said last week, “It has been like a bidding war, with plenty of chitchat.” Owners said they will take a careful look at everything on the table before a decision. “It’s one step at a time,” they said. The minimum business sale price was reported as $4,950,000 or minimum yearly lease of $300,000.

The Auburn lot in a highway business zone has access to Route 20 and Route 12 and is surrounded by auto dealerships and large retailers, such as TJ Maxx and Park ‘N Supermarket. Chains and independent-owned restaurants and a CVS Pharmacy are nearby.

Chuck’s owners opened up about relocating the business, sharing a written message with employees before any official announcement. Higher energy costs, property tax and insurance were among factors for the move. They emphasized that the property would be sold, not the business and they wanted a smooth transition to a new location with minimal interruption to staff or customers. “We don’t want to leave our 40 employees or our customers without what they have come to love over the past 45 years,” they wrote.

Last week, when we asked the owners about employees’ reaction to the news, Londregan and Flynn answered, “They’re excited.”

A message to customers also is on the restaurant’s website, www.chucks.com.

To date, Chuck’s owners have looked at five locations in Auburn, Grafton and Sutton. The exact sites are confidential, they said, but admit they would like to remain in Auburn, if possible. The business has loyal customers and the town has been good to them, they said.

The original Chuck’s Steak House was established by Charles (Chuck) Rolles in Hawaii in the late '50s. Londregan and Flynn opened the Auburn restaurant on Mother’s Day 1978. In 1986, they were the first restaurant managers to be given the opportunity to buy.

In 2000, they were offered the Auburn real estate and they “bought it all,” explaining it was an offer they couldn’t refuse. The business, Chuck’s Steak House and Margarita Grill, operated as two separate restaurants under one roof until 2013 when the owners decided to combine menus, logo, etc. into one. A redecorated Margarita Grill dining room and lounge became a function room for private parties, family celebrations, etc.

Londregan and Flynn graduated from the College of the Holy Cross in Worcester, where they both majored in economics. Flynn also holds an MBA from Babson College in Wellesley. Londregan worked as a waiter and bartender at Chuck’s while a college student; Flynn, a waiter.

In a 2018 Telegram & Gazette story about their commitment to the business, they said buying the business was “monumental” and one of their proudest moments. Also, being able to reinvent themselves, which in business you sometimes have to do to succeed, they said. Staff has contributed to their successful run. Jeff Stafford, general manager, has been with the business since 1978.

At the time of their 40th anniversary, the owners were asked about retirement. Flynn said, “No changes. The schedule works for us.” Londregan’s answer, “40 down and 40 to go.”  It’s no surprise that the business already has passed the 45-year mark. The owners are best of friends who have a love for food and a passion for sharing it.

Chuck’s Steak House and Margarita Grill is closed Monday.  The lounge opens at 4 p.m. Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Sunday; 2 p.m. Saturday. Dinner service is from 4:30 to 8:30 Tuesday through Thursday; 4 to 9 p.m. Friday; 2 to 9 p.m. Saturday; 4 to 8:30 p.m. Sunday. Takeout and delivery available. Telephone: (508) 832-2553. Connect on social media.

What do Chuck’s Steak House customers think of relocation plans?

Londregan and Flynn said the conversation usually begins with, “I’ve heard you’re moving.”

The big question: “Where and when?”

Counting Sheep

Black Sheep Bah-Bah-Q & Kitchen, 397 Chandler St., Worcester, recently updated seasonal hours.

The full-service restaurant is open noon to 9 p.m. Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday; Closed Tuesday and Sunday. Live music on Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights, with bar closing at 11 p.m. Full liquor license. Connect on Facebook about musicians and hours. Also, restaurant space is available for private parties, birthday and anniversary celebrations, etc. Telephone: (774) 479-1010. Takeout, curbside pickup and delivery.

Jennifer Wright and partner Patrick Flynn established the barbecue brand as a roadside trailer in 2021, and a year later officially opened the restaurant in the former spot of City Bar & Grille and later a private club. Wright previously was general manager at a Shrewsbury Street restaurant.

Diners will find Black Sheep Bah-Bah-Q & Kitchen to be a friendly neighborhood business.

If you have a tidbit for the column, call (508) 868-5282. Send email to bhoulefood@gmail.com. 

This article originally appeared on Telegram & Gazette: Table Hoppin': Chuck’s Steak House eyes new locations