Iconic Richmond steakhouse Vlado’s celebrates 60 years in business

It served its first steak years before man first walked on the moon and outlasted the Dees premiership drought and Covid — and this iconic Richmond steakhouse has scarcely changed.

When iconic Richmond steak restaurant Vlado’s celebrated its ruby anniversary, Melbourne catering king Peter Rowland reportedly coined the perfect catchcry.

“Forty years and no change.”

For the big 5-0, the tag line was predictably similar.

“50 years and still no change.”

This Thursday, the stalwart Bridge Rd venue turns 60 — and director Michael Gregurek is counting his blessings.

“Sixty years and still here,” he joked.

The former barrister turned accidental restaurateur is the son of founders Vlado and Nina Gregurek, who first opened the bustling restaurant in 1964.

The late Vlado Gregurek outside his Richmond restaurant.

A younger Vlado in action in the kitchen.

Nothing much changes at Vlado’s — and that’s perhaps why it has lasted the test of time.

Three generations of owners: Nina Gregurek, 92, Phoenix Gregurek, 23, and Michael Gregurek, 69. Picture: Jake Nowakowski

In its six-decade reign, Vlado’s has served everyone from prime ministers to royalty; including then Prince Charles and late Princess Diana, to golfing legend Greg Norman.

“We have a great local following, it’s not stupendous but it’s very good. We are still a destination spot when people come from other states and countries,” he said.

Though Michael, 69, isn’t one to brag about his family’s restaurant success.

“My dad had an incredible work ethic, a post-war determination to make life better for his family,” he said.

“He would absolutely never compromise on the quality of the food. He was into excellence and perfection, and he was very particular about cooking the steak to the instruction of the client.”

Pro-golfer Greg Norman was known to drop in for a steak. Picture: Kylie Else

Vlado’s steakhouse ‘still hadn’t changed’ by its 50th anniversary. Picture: Kylie Else

Another reason behind Vlado’s longevity comes from the consistency of product.
The set-menu has been running from day one to “keep prices affordable” for everyone.

And he’s kept the $125 per person price the same for the last year, despite the rising costs of overheads.

After Vlado passed away in 2014, Michael continued his father’s legacy by stepping up as the restaurant’s director.

His mother Nina, 92, still comes in for lunch every week, and daughter Phoenix, 23, works in the kitchen and on the floor.

Nina Gregurek and Christina Gregurek, Michael Gregurek, Ivan Glavas, Steve Sucevic and Doug Petrovic. Picture: Kylie Else

As for whether Vlado’s will make it to 70?

“Phoenix keeps telling me she wants to be involved, but everything has a used by date,” Michael said.

Vlado’s celebrates its 60th birthday tonight (Thursday August 8).

All guests will receive a commemorative 60th birthday knife as gift.

Vlado’s, 61 Bridge Road, Richmond. Bookings: 9428 5833.