Washington D.C. burger lovers heard some sad news on Wednesday -- the chain Ray's Hell-Burger and its sister restaurant Ray's Hell Burger-Too, are closing their doors forever, Washingtonian reported.
At first, the situation seemed temporary. "Please visit us at Ray's to the Third while we take a quick break," read a sign on the Hell-Burger door, directing patrons to a third sister location across the street. In January, the establishment's chef, Michael Landrum, explained the break as a "very minor blip" due to a "landlord-tenant dispute."
But now, the situation is permanent. Washington spotted "for rent" signs in the windows of both establishments, both mostly cleared of their furnishings, except for "Ray's Hell Burger" and "Nice 'n' Greasy Steak 'n' Cheesy" banners above their respective doors. Ominex, the real estate company responsible for those two locations, confirmed to Washingtonian that both are available for lease.
The original restaurant soared in popularity when President Barack Obama dined there, once with Vice President Joe Biden in 2009, and then again with Russian President Dmitry Medvedev in 2010, according to the Huffington Post. The establishment is known for its twists on the classic American burger.
In the meantime, if you're in D.C. and you want a juicy burger, pay Ray's to the Third a visit. Signs outside say the joint offers "original Hell Burgers and Steak and Cheese Here."
This article is copyrighted by Travelers Today, the travel news leader
