A Legend in the Dining Industry

The Gilbert/Robinson restaurant company hasn't existed since the mid-1990s, but a reunion of employees is to be held April 28, 2007, in Overland Park. The restaurants associated with Gilbert/Robinson in its heyday included: Houlihan's, Fred P. Ott's, Annie's Santa Fe, Bristol Bar & Grill, and Plaza III The Steakhouse. The founders include Bill Gilbert, Paul Robinson, and the late Joe Gilbert. In the 1960s, the owners "quickly tapped into an underserved market between fast food and haute cuisine, opening a variety of concepts in the midprice range...." At one point they had 170 restaurants across the country with sales of $300 million. The company changed its name to Houlihan's in 1995. Article includes a timeline of company highlights as well as a column of featured people who launched their careers with Gilbert/Robinson.