Downtown Campbell’s popular Brown Chicken Brown Cow, a purveyor of artisanal burgers and sandwiches, has quietly closed its doors.
For a decade, since the summer of 2013, owner Chris Yamashita and his team have been serving grass-fed burgers, free-range chicken, crispy pork belly sandwiches, fries tossed with truffle oil and grana padano, craft cocktails and beer at this cafe nestled in a Campbell Avenue courtyard.
According to the Downtown Campbell Business Association, Yamashita had moved to Sacramento and was trying to commute and run the restaurant or manage it from afar.
His farewell message on the BCBC Instagram account is a simple one: “It’s time for the naturally raised Brown Chicken and the grass-fed Brown Cow to cross the road.”
“We’re sad about this, but hope that closing the doors to Brown Chicken Brown Cow gives Chris the freedom to pursue new things and live life on his own terms that’s best for him and his family,” the association wrote in a blog post and newsletter. The association noted that he was an “integral part of the Downtown Campbell community for many years and he also served faithfully on the board of the Downtown Campbell Business Association for a good number of those years too. He didn’t just run one of your favorite restaurants. He gave back … a lot.”
Fans flocked to the blog to express their thanks — and sorrow at not being able to order, say, one more Lady Marmalade burger topped with bacon jam and Swiss cheese or one more order of the irresistible fries.
“Best burger and fries in town, hands down,” wrote EggsBennies8. “Will never forget the sliders, chicken prosciutto sandwich, Brussels sprouts and warm atmosphere,” added DaVinciSV. “Ur Crispy Melt was everything. I’m distraught,” PinkPrayers posted. And MrsViola said, “Gonna miss the Blapple!!!” — blue cheese, cheddar and apple on grilled sourdough.
In 2017, Brown Chicken Brown Cow tallied the most votes in a Bay Area News Group informal “best burger” competition. Yamashita said at the time, “We are very grateful that our fans are so passionate about our food because we are very passionate about our food.”
Details: 397 E. Campbell Ave., Campbell; http://brownchicken-browncow.com/
Source: www.mercurynews.com