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n October 13, 1939, R.E. (Doc) Kennedy opened the K.C. Steakhouse at 630 Union Ave., Bakersfield, California, across the street from the world famous “Bakersfield Inn.” Doc Kennedy, a retired pharmacist, and his wife came from Oklahoma City. During the early days, the K.C. Steakhouse did not have a liquor license, but just across the street was located a bar owned by Martin Jaussaud and Clyde Barbeau,, called the “Bomb Shelter.: Both of these places became a favorite for the cadet airmen training at Minter Field in Shafter, California. After World War II, many of those cadets returned to Bakersfield and reside here today. After the war, the K.C. Steakhouse became a favorite dining spot for local residents and tourists alike. It has always been a gathering spot for city, county and government officials and heads of departments. The K.C. Steakhouse remained the same until 1967 when it was moved to it’s present location by the then operator, Charles Gibson. It has remained here ever since that date. In October of 1984, the business was purchased by Hughette Hardy (Frenchie), a well respected name in Bakersfield’s restaurant circles, who provided a noble innkeeping until 1991 when it was purchased by Aubrey Carter. In June of 1997 the K.C. Steakhouse was purchased by Charlotte Carter who continues the great K.C. Steakhouse tradition at 2515 “F” Street. In 2003, Charlotte Carter married Terry Campbell and they operate K.C.’s as co-owners. It remains the favorite dining spot for local citizens and for the hundreds of “out-of-towners” who always revisit when they are again in town. The present building housing the K.C. Steakhouse was built circa 1949; was opened as “Greg’s Hi Life” circa 1952. The room remains virtually the same as it was then. The wood panelling and mirrors have replaced the Victorian Age red papered walls, and a partition over the back bar has been removed. The kitchen has also been recently renovated. So The K.C. Steakhouse marks 71 years of quality dining service in Bakersfield in 2010