HAMBURG, N.Y. — A popular Southtowns staple is closing its doors soon.
The Juicy Burger Bar, a restaurant known for its vast variety of burgers and French fries, announced Tuesday that it will be closing Dec. 16. Customers can't believe it.
"This is my spot. I love this place," one sad customer said.
"It's nice to be able to support the community and come to the restaurants here, rather than chains," another customer said.
In a Facebook post, the burger bar says its lease is terminated, and the building is sold. However, the property owner's attorney, Thomas D. Lyons, says otherwise.
In a statement sent to 2 On Your Side, Lyons says, "Juicy’s lease for the space it occupies ended as of March 31, 2023. Bearing that in mind, the decision to end Juicy’s continued occupancy effective December 31, 2023, was made only after Juicy (a) rejected new-lease offers from my client; and (b) failed to pay the full amount due for its use and occupancy of the space (including failing to make any payment for multiple months since April 1, 2023)."
2 On Your Side caught customer Rodd Rummell leaving the restaurant.
"Besides it being a staple here, this is Hamburg. So, how do you want to lose your best burger spot in The Town of Hamburg?" Rummell asked.
He was getting a burger for himself and his wife.
"I read about it, I heard about it, so I placed my order for lunch, thinking it might be my last Juicy burger," Rummell said.
Employees grew an emotional attachment. The business had a strong near nine-year run. It's why the owners are considering coming back to a different location after a solid, nearly nine-year run.
2 On Your Side does not know its next whereabouts. Despite that, everyone is wondering the same thing. "What are they going to put in there?"
We've reached out to the property owner, his lawyer, Thomas D. Lyons, and the burger bar's owner for an on-camera interview. They all declined.
"Pretty bad thing to be told around this time of year," Rummell said, adding, "Whoever the lease owner is, give them a discount for all the bad press and let Juicy Burger stay. Go Bills!"