Burger joint which rivals Wendy’s shuts down after 42 years – as scores of fast-food chains cutback
Is America falling in love with the beef burger? Legendary Iowa fast food restaurant 2 MIT is closing after four decades
- Owners of 2 MIT citizens close shop ‘with heavy hearts’
- Eatery is famous for its cheap $4.25 burgers and $2.75 hot dogs
- It comes after dozens of US restaurant chains cut locations due to high inflation driving up the cost of ingredients
A legendary fast food restaurant in Iowa is closing after 42 years as numerous burger chains have been forced to close amid high inflation and a rising demand for healthy foods.
The owners of 2 MIT citizens in Elkador, Iowa, did not explain the reason for the closure, but said the decision was made “with a heavy heart” in a statement posted on Facebook.
It comes after it was revealed that dozens of US fast food giants like Burger King were cutting locations across the country, while health chains like salad bar Sweetgreen have surged in popularity.
2MIT burgers – which is compared to the popular chain Wendy’s – are famous or no-frills burgers, cheeseburgers and hot dogs.
The inexpensive eatery was located in a trailer park that interstate travelers would take deliberate detours to visit.
2MIT Burgers – famous for its no-frills burgers, cheeseburgers and hot dogs – has been forced to close after 42 years
“It is with a heavy heart that after 42 years of making your favorite burgers, the 2 MIT has decided to close its doors,” the restaurant said in a statement.
“We want to thank everyone for their support over the years, you have left us with many fond memories.
Please continue to support your local Elkader business.
Alas, Jeff, Nikki and Crew.”
Customers could buy a cheeseburger for $4.25, while hot dogs were only $2.75.
Across the US, restaurants are struggling to maintain low menu prices amid high inflation, making ingredients more expensive.
It has led to mass closures, with even popular chains having to cut some of their locations.
Loyal customers took to social media to pay tribute to the beloved restaurant, adding, “you will be sorely missed.” Customers line up in front of the small eatery
Budget restaurants struggle to maintain their low prices as high inflation pushes up the cost of ingredients
Last month, Burger King announced it would implement a series of closures, laying off 424 staff and closing up to 26 restaurants.
Similarly, a Red Lobster restaurant in St. Louis was forced to close.
A spokesperson said at the time: “We regularly review our restaurant portfolios as part of the normal course of business, and as a result we have concluded that this location is no longer suitable for Red Lobster.”
The National Restaurant Association says the problem of high inflation has been exacerbated by a widespread change in eating habits following the pandemic.
Customers are now using takeout and delivery apps rather than visiting restaurants themselves.
Applebee’s, Burger King and Denny’s have all been forced to close their locations as a result.
Loyal 2MIT customers took to social media to pay tribute to the beloved restaurant, adding, “you will be sorely missed.”
Darren Hall wrote: ‘Thanks for all the good memories.
‘I always popped in for a burger when I was in Elkader. Stopping at 2 MIT was a must every time.”
Meanwhile, Angelina Lingua wrote, “Bummer! Loved stopping there for almost 38 years on my way to PDC from Waterloo and have so many memories.
“Thanks for staying open all these years. Good luck with your future endeavours.’