
Top UK burger joint suddenly shuts its penultimate branch as diners lament ‘it's a monumental shame'
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A POPULAR burger restaurant has dished up its final menu to loyal customers.
The surprising closure has left many patrons disappointed, with one person describing it as a "monumental shame".
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Patty Freaks in Sutton Coldfield, Birmingham officially closed its doors after the building's lease expired
Credit: Facebook/Visit Royal Sutton Coldfield BID
Bosses of a the Birmingham-based Patty Freaks closed the Sutton Coldfield location on Sunday, July 20.
Located in the basement of a former pub at the Gracechurch Centre, the popular establishment first opened in May, 2024.
It quickly proved a hit with locals, serving up a selection of burgers, fried chicken, and loaded skin-on chips to 75 diners at a time.
Popular location
The brand was founded in 2018 by Pete Hargreaves and Allan Blewitt, with the vision of serving up smash burgers alongside music and retro games.
The pair began selling burgers from a catering van in a lay-by before attending local food festivals and street food events.
In 2022, they opened their debut restaurant in Lichfield, which still operates.
However, the lease on the Sutton Coldfield locations has now run out, spurring the entrepreneurs to hit the road and focus on pop-ups.
"Our lease at the old Molloy's property has come to an end, we would like to thank the owners of the Gracechurch Centre for their support and work on promoting small local businesses into their retail spaces," the Patty Freaks said on their Facebook page.
"It was a privilege to be able to take on such a historic site and attempt to fill the boots of some of the huge brands that have come before us.
Popular Tex Mex chain confirms it will close down all locations after 36 years in another restaurant slaughter
"We're moving back to drive more on the pop-up side of the business and going back to the street-food roots."
The Patty Freaks team went on to thank their many patrons over the year of operation.
"We would sincerely like to thank our customer base for supporting us on this journey it's been a fantastic year and we've absolutely loved this challenge," they said.
"We're working with the team to be able to redeploy the staff, who wish to move our Lichfield restaurant, or work on the Street-food.
"Hopefully this is not the end for The Patty Freaks in Sutton Coldfield but for the time being we have to bid farewell."
Sorely missed
Fans of the restaurant shared their sadness at news of the shocking closure.
"It was always a joy putting on events in the Sutton Coldfield site," wrote on Facebook user.
"All the best with everything, couldn't find a nicer bunch to work with."
"You'll be a sad loss to the high street, we really enjoyed our visit last month and our takeaways over the last 12 months, good luck in your new venture," said another customer.
"What a monumental shame, the only place other than Leviathan Brewing that served up decent beer in Sutton, with great food, a pool table, and arcade machines to boot," commented a third person.
"Thanks guys, we'll miss you."
More restaurant closures
And a full list of the Côte Brasserie restaurants at risk of closure as the chain seeks new investors.
A Michelin star chef recently closed a popular restaurant after just five months.
Another popular restaurant closed all its locations after decades in business.
Plus, another fan favourite restaurant that closed a popular city centre location.
And an award-winning Italian restaurant that is closing due to tax hikes.

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