Last of its kind York Steak House sold to owner of Hilliard diner

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) -- The last remaining York Steak House has been purchased by the owner of a local restaurant, two months after the outgoing operator announced his retirement.

Starliner Diner -- a Cuban restaurant in Hilliard owned by Tim Burkhammer -- has acquired the steakhouse at 4220 W. Broad St., it announced in Facebook posts Tuesday. The posts confirmed that both businesses would remain separate, being run "the way they have for decades."

"We are 100 percent committed to serving you the dishes you fell in love with," one post said.

Despite this, the post did indicate the steakhouse's menu could soon be found at Starliner. It said the acquisition was made in part because 90% of Starliner's sales come before 3 p.m., asking social media followers for their opinion on serving food from York from 4 to 9 p.m.

York Steak House was a chain dating to 1966, expanding to nearly 180 locations by 1976. Most York restaurants have been discontinued or sold off over the years, with the Columbus location the last of its kind. In May, Jay Bettin announced the steakhouse was for sale after 45 years.

Being the last location left standing is portrayed as a point of pride on the York Steak House website.

“This last unit strives to maintain the same quality and atmosphere, where loyal guests continue to have that past nostalgic experience, with a fresh, present day appeal,” the website said. “For many of our customers, mentioning the words York Steak House invokes not just memories, but also the smell of a mouthwatering grilled sirloin.”

In December, York Steak House was the 16th highest-rated steakhouse in Columbus, according to TripAdvisor. It received an average rating of 4.0 from its 46 reviews.