BurgerFi disappears from the UK dining scene

The company, which was founded in Florida in 2011, opened its first UK site in the Wembley Central shopping centre, followed by another in London’s Russell Square a year later.

Both sites are now listed as ‘permanently closed’ on Google.

The company, which operates around 80 sites in the US, was founded in an attempt to revive the golden age of the American hamburger before its mass commoditisation by fast-food companies caused a deterioration in its quality.

It prides itself on using “better beef” through its “Never Ever Program,” which means the beef is never exposed to steroids, antibiotics, growth hormones, chemicals or additives.

In 2015 the brand signed an agreement with Ground Round, led by Rolling Stones’ Ronnie Wood’s son Jamie, to open restaurants in the UK.

It had planned on a “considered” expansion, aiming to open six to eight sites in the capital before looking further afield.

BurgerFi’s disappearance from the UK comes as yet another US burger chain is making a play on these shores. Earlier this month US chain Wahlburgers, owned by actor Mark Wahlberg and his brothers Paul and Donnie, announced it would make its UK debut in September in Covent Garden.

Shake Shack, another US burger import, was also this month revealed to be taking a unit at the forthcoming Boxpark Wembley alongside fellow food compatriot Wingstop, further boosting its presence in the UK.