BATAVIA – Hardee's, located at 107 N. Batavia Ave., quietly closed this week. The store had taken over the former Burger King location 18 months ago.
“They kind of sneakily closed in the middle of the night from Tuesday to Wednesday,” Batavia Chamber of Commerce President Holly Deitchman said.
The news came as a surprise to Mayor Jeff Schielke, as well.
“They didn’t bother to call me and tell me anything,” Schielke said. “None of the city staff seemed to know anything, either. It’s disappointing.”
Jamie Saam, executive director of Batavia MainStreet, said she was there two weeks ago asking about trick-or-treating for BatFest and was told a manager would get back to her.
“It was kind of a surprise,” Saam said about the restaurant closing.
A voicemail message left for the restaurant chain’s media spokeswoman was not immediately returned Thursday.
Saam said she thought it might be because customers are steering away from fast food burgers and more toward the local restaurants and “ma and pa” eateries.
“People don’t want regular fast food burgers anymore,” Saam said. “They’re going out to spend their dollars, supporting the local restaurants.”
Saam added perhaps a Mediterranean, shawarma or falafel-type cuisine would add to the existing variety in Batavia.
Shawarma is a Middle Eastern dish of garlicky meat or poultry served on pitas, according to Cooking Light's website, www.cookinglight.com.
That people want more ethnic variety is supported by the customers who go to Tusk Thai, Saam said, adding it is frequently packed.
Deitchman said perhaps another type of ethnic cuisine adding more diversity to food choices in the area would work.
“That is not to say there isn’t room for all food options in Batavia, but it’s finding that right niche right now that seems to be challenging,” Deitchman said. “Whatever is going into that spot will have to fill a niche or a need that isn’t already being served here. We are very welcoming to all types of restaurants.”