Winstead’s Bankruptcy: Staffer’s salute to beloved childhood restaurant

The birthday breakfast — a fundamental of most kids’ childhoods. For as long as I can remember, April 25 was kicked off with two sunny-side-up eggs, bacon, toast, hashbrowns, chocolate milk and the most memorable part — the smiling Winstead’s employees who made each of my birthdays memorable. 

Now I know what you’re thinking — Winstead’s serves breakfast? Yes, and it’s the best breakfast I’ve ever had (sorry Mom). But as of March 10, Winstead’s has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy, meaning the company will take time to restructure around $1 million in debt, according to fox4kc.com. It’s still unknown how long the three remaining Winstead’s locations will stay open, which includes the original establishment just east of the Country Club Plaza. 

Winstead’s is home to another generation of fast food culture that still brings a timeless taste to the 21st century, a true staple of the East community. The undeniable vintage vibe and classic ‘50s diner appeal makes me want to put on my poodle skirt and sacrifice another dime to the jukebox’s Elvis Presley revival — music that’s almost as magical as the sound of the Skyscraper milkshake song. 

Ah, yes, nothing is sweeter than the chime of a tambourine as the Winstead’s employees carry a chocolate Skyscraper, singing their way to my back-corner booth — the best booth in the whole restaurant. Its dynamic, half-circle seat cushion allows for prime family enjoyment as I don’t have to strain my neck to see everyone. 

The magic of the burger joint is in its power to bring people together. Whether a birthday breakfast or WPA dinner with close friends, every trip reserves its own unique memory — memories that will stay with us long-term.

After 80 years of providing customers with those memories, it makes me sad that this could be the end of sharing foot-tall milkshakes. Winstead’s is a one-of-a-kind, KC treasure — the neon pink lights and green-tiled finish is an unprecedented look you can’t get anywhere else. No other building could pull off that aesthetic that makes all who pass by crave their shade-past-golden tater tots and mouth-warming, hot fudge sundaes — a craving that could be fulfilled no more.

I’m especially mourning the fact that I just realized why they’re technically known as “Winstead’s Steakburgers” — the steakburgers are heavenly. My go-to burger order of mustard, pickles and “hold the cheese” has never satisfied me more than my first tasting of Winstead’s claim-to-fame steakburger back in February. 

I know it’s crazy to call myself a Winstead’s advocate when I just tried what they’re famous for. But now I know more than ever that Winstead’s is perfect for all three meals. It just makes me sad to say this could be the end of true birthday breakfasts and my newfound love for their steakburgers.