After 25 years in Live Oak, Biff Buzby’s Burgers is closing today, another casualty of a challenging economy.
“We tried everything to stay open but it just isn’t possible anymore,” said owner Francis Rogers III. “The rising cost of food, supplies and expenses and low attendance are the main reasons for, unfortunately, having to close.”
The burger joint on the Northeast Side famously served The Red Baron Challenge — three pounds of hamburger meat, cheese and pickles between two buns, about a foot-high, with a side of fries.
Customers who could polish the plate received a free Biff’s Cruisin T-Shirt and were placed on a winner’s list of those “who defeated the Red Baron,” according to the website. The cost to enter the challenge: $25.
“It was around for over 10 years and a lot of people completed it,” Rogers said. “We lost count of how many.”
The late Donna Humphreys and her husband, Ron, opened Biff’s in 1999. The joint became known for specialty burgers, fried pickles, chicken fried steak, a buffalo chicken sandwich and beans.
“Growing up, my parents served pork ‘n beans alongside their grilled burgers,” Rogers wrote on the restaurant’s website. “So, Donna decided to serve homemade pinto beans along with her burgers.”
Donna passed away in 2019.
Her popular burger spot drew customers to its annual Cruisin’ Classic Car Show, held every Friday from March through November.
The restaurant’s closing has generated hundreds of comments and shared memories on Biff Buzby’s Facebook page. The burger spot posted a farewell message:
“For 25 years, this place has been so much more than a burger joint. It has been a gathering place, a second home, a dream come true, and a true labor of love. Over the years, we’ve had the honor of serving generations of families, watching kids grow up, celebrating milestones, sharing laughs, and creating memories that will last a lifetime.”
A restaurant closing sale will be held Jan. 2-4.
“Everything inside the restaurant will be FOR SALE — furniture, equipment, décor, and more,” Biff posted. “Everything must go.”
