Burger King stopped flame-grilling Whoppers at a Northwest Indiana restaurant just off the busy Borman Expressway last week but will reopen.
The Burger King at 1600 W 35th Ave. in Gary, just off the Grant Street exit of Interstate 80/94, abruptly closed without warning last week. Closed signs were posted on the door, the phone number was disconnected and the Burger King website no longer lists it as being open.
A company spokesperson said the location suffered an electrical fire and should reopen as soon as this week.
It’s located along one of the busiest exits for truckers and motorists along the Borman. It’s on a stretch of Richard Hatcher Boulevard, formerly known as Grant Street, that’s home to many fast food restaurants, including Pizza Hut, Taco Bell, Popeye’s Louisiana Chicken, Dunkin, Little Caesars, Shark’s Fish and Chicken, Charley’s Cheesesteaks, Perros Brothers Gyros and one of the few 24/7 McDonald’s in Northwest Indiana.
Burger King announced last year it would close up to 400 restaurants under its Reclaim the Flame initiative if the stores were underperforming or the franchisees were unwilling to make improvements. The chain recently launched an ad campaign similar to one Domino’s did a few years ago apologizing to customers for a decline in quality and order accuracy, vowing to do better.
Fast food chains across the country, such as Wendy’s, Pizza Hut and Papa John’s, have been closing stores this year due to headwinds, including inflation, high gas prices, high labor costs, declining traffic and more budget-conscious consumers.
Wendy’s closed in Schererville, Merrillville and Calumet City, taking down signage while cars were still trying to go through the drive-through. Zel’s closed after 25 years in Crown Point. H-Dog, Mr. Goody’s and Twisted Sugar all have shuttered this year.
