The City of Bingen saw some changes toward the end of this year in terms of what’s offered in town for quick bites with the closure of two burger joints. Killer Burger, which was located between Growlerz and an Edward Jones Financial Advisor space, and McDonald’s, 910 W Steuben Street, closed their Bingen location doors for good Nov. 28 and Nov. 30.
“You know we always hate to see a businesses go,” said Bingen Mayor Betty Barnes. “McDonald’s had been here for 20 years, and to my understanding they placed all employees at different locations, so that’s good.”
The closure of McDonald’s wasn’t as much of a surprise as Killer Burger’s, noted Barnes. “Evidently (McDonald’s) 20-year lease was up and the corporation wanted them to remodel the entire restaurant. Hopefully someone comes in and does something with that location,” said Barnes.
“Killer Burger was a bit more of a surprise,” said Barnes, since the restaurant had been in Bingen since 2002. “As I understand, (Killer Burger) also offer employees jobs at local stores in Portland. From what I understand they opened more franchises in Portland since they opened the Bingen store (and) wanted to focus more on the other locations, so they closed this one.”
The closing of Killer Burger was briefly discussed during a Dec. 1 Bingen City Council meeting. The closure was met with despondency from council members as well as Killer Burger representatives. “We are sad too,” said a representative from Killer Burger in an email to The Enterprise. “It was a tough decision to make. Many conversations and numerous topics played into it. Too much business jargon to put into words on one message.”
Currently the Killer Burger location remains empty, but still displays the Killer Burger sign facing Steuben Street. Barnes was hesitant to guess the future of the Killer Burger location, saying that re-zoning may prompt changes to future businesses in the building.
McDonald’s concluded its operation Nov. 30 while Killer Burger closed its doors Nov. 28 last year. McDonald’s offered a printed coupon for a free Big Mac at its Hood River locations in The Enterprise to thank White Salmon and Bingen customers.
“After two locations in Hood River, the economics weren’t there to support the Bingen location,” explained previous franchise holder of the Bingen location, Jason Bustos. “Sixteen of the 18 employees remain with us. Only two people are no longer working for McDonald’s. Everyone was offered another job at other McDonald’s locations, either in Hood River, or the location in The Dalles.”
The departure of McDonald’s and Killer Burger leaves room for new businesses to emerge in 2016. “I know we have another restaurant that’s going to be opened,” said Barnes. “I just don’t know when.”
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