Another downtown SLO restaurant abruptly closed its doors. Here’s why
Burger Village has abruptly closed up shop after roughly six years in business in downtown San Luis Obispo.
The burger joint, located at 698 Higuera St., appeared shuttered as of Monday morning, with a “for lease” sign posted in the window. The restaurant’s furniture and decor remained, however, including a posted menu at the front door.
The downtown location also no longer appeared on the chain’s website as of Monday morning and its phone line was disconnected.
When reached for comment Monday afternoon, a Burger Village media representative said the restaurant “struggled to recover following the initial impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.”
They also noted the downtown area “continues to experience challenges with increased empty storefronts.”
Burger Village took over the prominent spot at the corner of Higuera and Broad streets in 2019 following the closure of the health-food eatery, Natural Cafe.
It was the first Burger Village outside of New York, where the unique burger chain was founded by four Long Island brothers. At the time, the business said the new spot was part of plans to expand its lineup of organic and exotic food to other markets around the United States.
According to its website, the chain currently operates seven locations, with all but one in the state of New York. The other is in Raleigh, North Carolina.
The shuttered San Luis Obispo location joins several other downtown eateries that have closed so far this year.
On Monterey Street, Antigua Brewing Company and CJ’s BBQ Smokehouse both closed in recent months.
Meanwhile, Proof & Gather Bakery in the Network Mall building closed in July, and its neighbor Ebony is planning to move in mid-December, as that building is slated to be transformed into the new SLO Museum of Art.
This story was originally published November 25, 2025 at 5:00 AM.
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