‘Voodoo doll of Mr Lowe’: iconic burger chain succumbs to financial pickle
The cult-favourite burger chain revealed it had been caught in a financial pickle, revealing its decision to throw in the towel in a cheesy announcement.
Almost seven years after opening the doors of its first store in Greater Western Sydney, Burger Head has announced the closure of its remaining two stores.
The cult-favourite burger chain had four restaurants across Sydney and three food trucks.
Having recently closed its stores in Blacktown and Casula, the restaurant took to Instagram to announce the “devastating decision” to shut down its remaining two stores at Botany and Penrith on October 29.
Burger Head was first opened in Penrith in 2017 by friends Joshua Deluca, Timothy Rosenstrauss and Richard Borg.
All in their early twenties, the trio described themselves as “three young fellas with not much life experience but kitchen experience”.
The business came under financial strain following its rapid expansion post-Covid.
“And just like that, all good things must come to an end,” Tim and Josh posted on Instagram earlier this month.
“The past 7 years have been nothing shy of an incredible journey of ups, downs, and everything in between but unfortunately, we’ve decided to hang up the apron.”
While the restaurants will close, Burger Head food trucks will continue to operate in a “major pivot” for the company.
The co-owners later explained that “things started to unravel” after they pushed to quickly expand their meaty empire post-pandemic.
In 2022 they opened the Blacktown and Casula restaurants within 10 weeks of each other, as well as a production kitchen in Wetherill Park.
“We actually had no.5 signed in Box Hill but pulled out,” they said.
“In hindsight, if we’d only done one of these stores and kept our existing prep kitchen we would’ve had the resources to really execute store number 3 and would still be in business.”
The owners also took a swipe at former Governor of the Reserve Bank of Australia, Philip Lowe, labelling him the “scapegoat” for their business’ downfall.
“If you own any property or a business there’s a good chance you know this fella and if you’re like us you have a voodoo doll of Mr Lowe,” they said.
“I feel for the pain that the interest rate rises has caused everyone because we’ve certainly felt it.
“Many households have had to cut back on luxuries, which for many, is a meal out at your favourite burger joint.”
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The upbeat owners have promised to continue to shed light on the struggles faced by small businesses in the Australian hospitality industry.
“I can assure you there is not a restaurant out there ripping you off...” they said.
“We all have massive expenses to cover and at the end, we’re just trying to make a dollar off your $14 burger.”