Murwillumbah burger bar to close as rising costs bite

A MURWILLUMBAH burger bar will close on May 1 as rising costs force the popular local venue to shut after seven years.

Burger Bar and Grill manager and operator Amy Hitch said the final trading day would fall on her 37th birthday, exactly seven years after she first helped open the business.

“I opened the burger bar with the owners on my 30th birthday in 2019,” she said.

“We’ll be closing on my 37th birthday in 2026.”

Amy said mounting financial pressures had made it increasingly difficult to continue operating without significantly increasing prices.

“Due to the economic climate and continued rising costs, we can no longer afford to keep making our food without drastically increasing prices — and that’s just not something I’m willing to do,” she said.

Over the years the venue has become a familiar social hub in the town, with Amy working six days a week and building close relationships with customers.

“For the past seven years I’ve spent six days a week serving the locals of Murwillumbah,” she said.

“Food is my love language.”

“We make all our food fresh to order. We don’t buy frozen products or use preservative-filled ingredients,” she said.

“We use local produce and suppliers, and it’s a real shame that with costs rising, many places like ours are being forced to buy cheaper bulk frozen produce.”

“That’s not something I was willing to do.”

Beyond the menu, the burger bar was designed as a place for people to spend time together.

 

“I purposely created messy food,” she said.

“When customers asked why, I’d say, ‘Look around — no one’s on their phones. Everyone’s two hands deep in their burger and actually talking to each other.’”

Regular customers would also recognise Amy by the sunglasses she wore behind the counter each day.

“Many people have been too scared to ask why I wear them — most just think I’m high or in a jazz band,” she said.

Amy said she wears the glasses due to severe photosensitivity following a major health battle.

“I have lupus and was also diagnosed with brain tumours almost four years ago, which I underwent radiation for — all while still working,” she said.

“It’s left me almost blind in my right eye and with severe photosensitivity.”

As the closure approaches, Amy said stepping away from the relationships built over the years would be one of the hardest parts.

“I have customers who come in every day,” she said.

“I know their names, their kids’ and grandkids’ names — even their pets.”

“It really will feel like losing a family.”

After closing the business, Amy plans to move into a new career path.

Alongside running the venue she has been studying a double degree in forensic psychology and criminal law and hopes to work in the criminal justice system as an advocate.

“It will be very different to pouring beers and making burgers,” she said.

“I’m so grateful to the beautiful community and especially other local businesses for all of the love and support over the years,” she said.