The Walden's 'Big Bertha's' Has Closed; The End of An Era

MONTGOMERY, TX -- It’s been described as a place “where everyone knows your name.” Big Bertha’s Bar and Grill had been a fixture in Walden for 24 years and one month, a place named after a golf club. It was run by a tough naturalized Swedish-Polish immigrant, Krystyna Boyt, self-described as a ‘Polish Princess.’ She knew everyone in the neighborhood, and has been known to sometimes give patrons a hard time, plus a ‘Polish Salute’ (not the two finger military version), but it’s all done in fun. Big Bertha's is that friendly Bar and Grill, where many in Walden would go to for takeout, a beer, or even a cocktail; but it is the regulars that had kept going Krystyna all these years, who are like family to her. The conversation was key at Big Bertha’s, but the menu was friendly and equally inviting, with the half-pound hamburgers, chicken fried steaks, steaks, and other appetizing items that were just an order away. With all that said, Boyt closed down Big Bertha’s on September 27th, during the 24th anniversary month of its opening.

Boyt’s attitude kept the place running in tip top condition, but when the landlord refused to renew the lease this past summer, it became obvious for Krystyna that she could only keep the doors open until the end of September. At the beginning of the month, after her anniversary and Labor Day Bash, the beloved items on her walls that had become fixtures over the years started going up for auction on the 21st, and anything that was not attached to the building itself was sold. For sure, Boyt will miss the interactions with the customers, most of whom were well mannered, but she will also miss the attitudes of those customers who were a little hard to handle, which thankfully were few and far between.

There is no doubt that Big Bertha’s will be missed by the residents of Walden who appreciated the bar and grill for the convenience, great food, bar, being a meeting place that everyone is able to enjoy. As September rolled along, the community began to roll in more, coming to the realization that something good was about to end. It was a close knit community. If a patron was feeling bad or in the hospital, or if someone passed away, Big Bertha’s Facebook page would have supportive posts to family and friends. Of course, if customers celebrated a birthday, some mention would be forthcoming.

Customers could tell the closure was forthcoming with the disappearance of the daily specials, which, along with the auction, were designed to make the closure as seamless as possible.

“I would like to express my heartfelt appreciation to our loyal customers for their patronage and support over the years,” said Boyt. “We are winding down our operations with a mixed sense of gratitude and sadness.”

Krystyna went on to say that was humbled by the overwhelming support from this outstanding community. She was appreciative of the kind sentiments and shared stories about her customers’ experiences at Big Bertha’s, which she took as a testament to the hard work and dedication that went into making the place a great success. Boyt had kept her pledge to uphold her exceptional service, outstanding cuisine, and personal touch that Big Bertha’s had always been known for, until her very last hour.

“Words fail to convey the depth of my gratitude for having had the privilege of knowing such wonderful people,” said Boyt. “I extend my sincerest appreciation to all who have patronized my business and remained part of this remarkable family throughout the years.”