Morton’s moves … maybe

By CHARLES FERRUZZA

The party’s over. The big spending party, that is.

The burgundy awning that covered the front door to one of the costliest beef emporiums in Kansas City has been unceremoniously removed, leaving a forlorn looking entrance where Morton’s The Steakhouse used to be.

Early last summer, well before the national economy started stinking like an old tuna sandwich, rumor around town was that Chicago-based Morton’swas planning to shutter its Crown Center location. Morton’s had a solid reputation for thick, tender and juicy beef dinners, which were particularly wonderful if some big spender was taking you to dinner on his or her tab. This restaurant was serving a $60 steak dinner eight years ago.

The rumors proved to be early but true: Morton’s closed on Sunday. Less than 24 hours later, the Kansas City location had been expunged from the Morton’s Web site. Roger Drake, the chain’s Executive Communications Officer, issued this statement:

Based on a strategic assessment of trends, Morton’s The Steakhouse has

closed its Kansas City location on November 9, 2008. The Morton’s restaurant team in Kansas City has been working diligently to improve operating results but has not been able to reach the base financial targets needed to support continued operation.

Additionally, Morton’s has a signed lease to open a new restaurant in Leawood/Overland Park, KS and we have not yet determined an opening date

for that new location but we do believe it will open sometime during 2009.

No opening date yet? That sounds promising. But maybe Leawood will be a better fit for the high-priced restaurant, although knowing how tight-fisted that “upscale” suburban community can be, I wouldn’t put money on that bet.

Still, the Crown Center location was probably a gamble from the first.