Hospo hell continues as North Adelaide’s Chuck Wagon shuts shop

It was one of the first to emerge on Adelaide’s vibrant burger scene, but now this well-known North Adelaide eatery has closed its doors.

A longstanding burger joint in the heart of Adelaide’s inner-north has quietly closed its doors after more than 10 years at the same spot.

Known for its American diner fare and pop culture decor, Chuck Wagon at 175 O’Connell St, North Adelaide was vacated in early August.

On Friday, the owners told The Advertiser that the restaurant was “permanently closed” but did not elaborate further on the circumstances.

Former Chuck Wagon owner James Tsimopoulos in 2021 with his Commando Burger. Picture: Simon Cross

In business since 2013, Chuck Wagon served hamburgers, wings and milkshakes as well as more novel choices like an Australia Day burger with lamington buns and another filled with Tim Tams.

It went through several owners throughout its life, with James Tsimopoulos most recently selling in 2022.

Chuck Wagon’s lamington burger was a special Australia Day offering in 2020. Picture: Supplied

Loaded milkshakes from Chuck Wagon at North Adelaide. Picture: Facebook

Mac and cheese hot dog from Chuck Wagon. Picture: Facebook

The venue has since been replaced with Hello Harry, another burger bar offering similar options, but the store confirmed it was not connected to its predecessor.

Chuck Wagon adds yet another tally to the ever-growing string of hospitality closures across South Australia this year.

They include other similarly long-running businesses like Enzo’s Ristorante in Hindmarsh, which operated for 25 years, and wood-fired pizza chain Hey Bianca.