Topeka Steak House auctioned off

The Topeka Steak House was auctioned off Thursday, and the new owner has plans to reopen the iconic restaurant.

Jon Grimmett purchased the steakhouse, 526 S.E. Dupont Road, for $165,000 during the auction.

About 30 people attended the auction.

Grimmett said he was interested in purchasing the 51-year-old restaurant because he knew how much business it could generate and he enjoys cooking.

Grimmett has plans to open Topeka Steak House under the same name and in phases, starting with a bar area, the first dining room to the right when entering and some barbecue.

"Eventually it will be a steakhouse as it was before," he said.

Grimmett said he hopes to reopen Topeka Steak House about 45 days after taking possession of the building.

The starting bid for the restaurant was $250,000.

The restaurant is appraised at $235,000, according to the Shawnee County Appraiser's Office website.

Maurice Hochard, who took over the restaurant about 25 years ago but had to close it in 2013 because of health concerns, said he is happy Grimmett has plans to open it back up.

"The reason we did (the auction) was because we would like to see it opened back up as a restaurant," Hochard said. "That was better than trying to piecemeal it out."

According to Topeka Capital-Journal archives, Topeka Steak House was voted best locally owned restaurant in 2010. In addition to serving steaks, the restaurant also was known for its all-you-can-eat fried chicken on Wednesday nights, as well as other favorites, such as chicken-fried streak.

Topeka Steak House had been open since 1968, though the building had been there before as Topeka Gun Club.