Mega Tom’s Burgers in the Apple Valley Kiowa Plaza Shopping Center is set to close this month.
The owner of Mega Tom’s posted to Facebook that they tried their best to convince the landlord to sign a new lease so they could continue serving the community. “But unfortunately this new landlord wants an exponential amount of monthly rent that doesn’t make sense for a small business,” the owner claimed.
Owners also alleged that they are being pushed out for Starbucks because they “can afford the rent.” Mega Tom’s last day of business will be June 21.
Here comes Starbucks
In April 2025, Santa Ana-based Red Mountain Group, Inc. announced the acquisition of the Mega Tom’s property located at 20781 Bear Valley Road, the Daily Press reported.
The Mega Tom’s property is located in the shopping center anchored by Food 4 Less, which is owned by Ralphs Grocery Company, according to San Bernardino County records.
The real estate development company stated that the site is currently occupied by Mega Tom’s on a month-to-month lease, and is slated for redevelopment into a brand-new Starbucks.
“We are excited to bring Starbucks to this prime location in Apple Valley,” said Red Mountain Group Vice President Graham Allchorn. “This project is part of our broader strategy to modernize and revitalize properties with higher volume, high profile tenants that will provide a more dynamic retail environment for local communities.”
At that time, Mega Tom’s owners said they would fight to keep the popular dine-in and drive-through restaurant that for years has built a large following by serving breakfast, lunch and dinner menu items while also hosting community events like car shows.
Moving forward
Over the weekend, the owner took to Facebook to say, “It’s been a great pleasure to serve Apple valley and we will miss everyone one of you who supported us from day one till the last day we are open.”
They also added that they “will be actively in the market” to find a new store, and they “didn’t expect to be rushed out so fast and the lack of vacant drive thru buildings in town doesn’t help.”
Mega Tom’s also posted to their Facebook photos of restaurant items for sale, which will be ready for pick up on June 22.
Mega Tom’s customer Frank Ricci, 75, told the Daily Press that he’s “not happy” that his “second home” is closing.
“A bunch of us old timers get together regularly for breakfast,” Ricci said. “With Tom’s gone, we’re going to have to find another place to meet, which is not good.”
Daily Press reporter Rene Ray De La Cruz may be reached at RDeLaCruz@VVDailyPress.com. Follow him on X @DP_ReneDeLaCruz.
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This article originally appeared on Victorville Daily Press: Final days for popular Mega Tom’s Burgers restaurant in Apple Valley
Reporting by Rene Ray De La Cruz, Victorville Daily Press / Victorville Daily Press
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