‘Devastated’: Iconic Fat Boy burger joint to close

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD) — An iconic burger joint on Grand Rapids’ northeast side plans to close its doors.

Fat Boy has been around since the 1950s, but the restaurant’s owners say it will be shutting down after a series of difficult years.

“It is with heartbreak that we write this post to tell you that we have come to the difficult decision to close Fat Boy Burgers,” the Urbane family, who purchased Fat Boy more than a decade ago, wrote in a Facebook post . “We are absolutely devastated.”

They cited several challenges, including COVID-19, inflation and road construction that made it more difficult to access the restaurant.

“We just can’t do it anymore,” the family wrote. “It hurts to even say that out loud because we aren’t quitters! Unfortunately, we just don’t have the energy or resources to carry on.”

The owners say they plan to keep Fat Boy open through the end of the month, giving workers time to find new jobs. They asked for support from the community “to take care of (their) amazing employees and loyal vendors.”

“We want you to know how much we have loved being able to serve you and the community!” the Urbane family wrote. “We hope that you will stop in one last time to say hello and enjoy a classic burger or breakfast with us.”

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