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Sally’s Big Ass Burgers owner declares she’s shutting due to ‘constant bullying’

Her “Big Ass Burgers” sign once created community uproar, with celebs Mick Molloy and Luke Darcy offering to chain themselves to it in support. Now, the owner of this Upper Beaconsfield cafe says “bullies” have gotten the better of her and she’s closing.

Sally in happier times, with one of her mammoth burgers. Picture: Norm Oorloff
Sally in happier times, with one of her mammoth burgers. Picture: Norm Oorloff

A cafe owner who once fell foul of VicRoads because of her ‘Big Ass Burgers’ sign has declared she’s shutting up shop in Upper Beaconsfield because of “constant bullying” from the community.

But a local councillor has hit back defending the people of the region as “friendly and proud”.

Sally Burger, who owns Tradies and Ladies Cafe, also known as Sally’s Big Ass Burgers, said she and her business had been subjected to bullying for almost seven years.

Ms Burger says she’s at “breaking point” and is in need of time to “deal with everything and move forward”.

“I’ve just had enough of being bullied by some members of this community for seven years straight — it’s been too much for me,” she said.

She said locals had lashed out at her “offensive signage”, spread rumours about her and excluded her from social media community groups.

“I tried to join a community Facebook group last week as I heard gun shots in the area but my request was declined — I kept trying to get in but it kept getting declined — I was shocked because I wanted to know what was going on.”

Sally Burger wants to re-open in a new location. Picture: Penny Stephens
Sally Burger wants to re-open in a new location. Picture: Penny Stephens

“It just brought back all the stuff I had been through these past few years — it’s disgusting and discrimination.”

Ms Burger said she was selling the cafe as “a blank canvas” and was keeping her trademarked business names.

“I’ve got big plans for my business but it’s not here in this town. It’s a great location for someone to start a cafe and anyone interested in the business can contact Sally’s Big Ass Burgers on Facebook.”

Sally’s Big Ass Burgers sign sparked controversy in recent years. Picture: Derrick den Hollander
Sally’s Big Ass Burgers sign sparked controversy in recent years. Picture: Derrick den Hollander

Ms Burger thanked those who had “embraced her business from the start” and who continued to support her.

“There’s been a lot of people who have supported me from the day I opened and I’m very grateful to them.”

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She plans to re-open the cafe after a short break until it sells.

Councillor Leticia Wilmot, whose Ranges Ward covers Upper Beaconsfield, said while she was unable to comment on Ms Burger’s allegations, she had found the town to be a “friendly and proud community”.

“People in the town have been through a lot, stuck together and supported each other through events such as Ash Wednesday,” Cr Wilmot said.

“They also belong to important groups and take part in important events — they’re a connected and active community.”

suzan.delibasic@news.com.au

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Original URL: https://www.heraldsun.com.au/leader/south-east/sallys-big-ass-burgers-owner-declares-shes-shutting-due-to-constant-bullying/news-story/70aef317534a8662c56f231618212191