SAN DIEGO — KFMB TV is counting down the months, as we prepare to celebrate our 75th Anniversary in May.
In this Zevely Zone, we share the spotlight with another iconic San Diego business that opened the same year we went on the air in 1949. When you serve home-cooked food prepared from scratch, 365 days a year, repeat customers become as common as eggs over easy.
Open seven days a week, 24 hours a day, Rudford's may be best known for the Big Nick. The towering burger is named after the restaurant's owner Nick Kacha. If you can eat his thirty-dollar meal in 30 minutes, it's free.
"Two pounds of beef, hash browns, gravy, salsa, eggs and cheese," said Nick. The iconic diner opened 75 years ago; we have footage from CBS 8's visit in 1986.
"This is Rudford's in North Park, a neighborhood-style cafe always open," said the Unknown Eater who asked customers for their favorite meals on the menu. "The Ham and Cheese Omelette is delicious," said one customer. "The French Toast," said another.
John Thomas "Tommy" Rudford purchased the restaurant in 1949 and attracted patrons from all walks of life. Rudford's first opened its doors 75 years ago, the same year, KFMB TV became San Diego's first television station. Instead of food, CBS 8's been serving up headlines.
One of the biggest stories we ever covered was the pandemic, when Rudford's remained open. We popped in on the diner as COVID was winding down. Rudford's has many fans and so does CBS 8. "KFMB you are my guys," said one of the customers.
The two longtime businesses share a page in San Diego's history. It happened on June 6th, 1963, when President John F. Kennedy came to town. As CBS 8 was covering the story, JKF's motorcade drove right by Rudford's. "It was taken by some kid who stuck a Polaroid up and snapped it," said Nick.
The next time you're looking for waffles and bacon with a slice of San Diego history on the side, Rudford's will be waiting.
"For all of our patrons, thanks for continuing to support us, it's a beautiful thing to see," said Nick. "You know we are just so thankful that people continue to support us bringing their families and supporting our employees."
If you want to take on the Big Nick you know where to find it. Rudford's Restaurant is always open. they have a lock on their front door, but it has only been used once in 75 years. For more information, click here.