From the Whirled: Billy Sims Burger has shuttered its two locations, in Tulsa at 1941 S. Yale Ave., and the original spot in Midwest City.
In a statement, the company said, “We appreciate all the support of our local community over the past year. Billy Burger is a concept that we are passionate about and know will be hugely successful when the world is not experiencing unprecedented labor and supply chain challenges.”
The Tulsa restaurant opened in October 2021 in the space that has been home to such Mexican-inspired concepts as Taco Cabana and Jimmy Hula’s. The menu was small, with a selection of burgers, a chicken sandwich, fries and shakes.
I love when business owners try to blame the world-at-large for their own failures. Billy Burger didn't fail because of supply chain challenges. The problem is there is nothing special about Billy Burger. An overpriced bare-bones un-original menu in a building with a few college football mementos is not a concept. I am surprised that Billy didn't show up every weekend for a meet and greet as when he was there for a few days when it opened people swarmed in. I'm also surprised that a former athlete whose career ended 38 years ago could be that much of a draw but - hey - more power to him if he can keep milking that.
In general that whole shopping center makes me mad - really crap management in both upkeep and leasing. Something needs to be done with the old Sears other than a location for Spirit Halloween once a year or some random pop-up outlet store. The dead possum in the Sears lot that has been allowed to rot away for the past few months is about par for the course for that entire complex.