...By Solomon Thomas for TDPel Media.
The closure of legendary Iowa fast food restaurant 2 MIT burgers has caused speculation that America may be falling out of love with the beef burger.
The budget eatery, which has been compared to popular chain Wendy’s, is famous for its no-frills hamburgers, cheeseburgers, and hot dogs.
However, owners have not given a reason for the closure, which they announced “with heavy hearts” on Facebook.
Across the US, high inflation and increased demand for health foods have caused scores of burger chains to shut down locations, while health chains like Sweetgreen are reportedly flourishing.
The closure of 2 MIT burgers has caused sadness among its loyal customers, who took to social media to pay tribute to the beloved restaurant.
The no-frills eatery was famous for its budget $4.25 hamburgers and $2.75 hot dogs.
The owners of the restaurant, located in Elkader, Iowa, did not explain the reason for the closure but said it was made “with heavy hearts”.
The closure has sparked speculation that America may be falling out of love with the beef burger.
High inflation and increased demand for health foods have caused scores of US fast food giants like Burger King to shut down locations across the country, while McDonald’s has been forced to raise the price of its Big Macs.
In contrast, health chains like Sweetgreen are reportedly flourishing, with the salad bar earning $470.1 million last year, up 38 percent from 2021.
The National Restaurant Association has stated that the issue of high inflation has been compounded by changing dining habits since the pandemic.
Customers are now more likely to use take-out and delivery apps rather than visit restaurants themselves.
Applebee’s, Burger King, and Denny’s have all been forced to cut down on their locations as a result.
The bloodbath in the fast food industry has also affected other chain restaurants, such as Denny’s, which has lost over 150 US restaurants since 2017, dropping from 1,600 to 1,445.
One Burger King franchise with more than 100 outlets recently filed for bankruptcy and is set to close locations across six states, while other chain restaurants have also been affected.
Despite the difficult environment for fast food, health chains like Sweetgreen have managed to thrive.
This suggests that changing customer preferences may have a lasting impact on the fast food industry.
Meanwhile, the closure of 2 MIT burgers has left its loyal customers mourning the loss of a beloved establishment.
