It's the last call for burger aficionados at WesBurger 'N' More. The San Francisco hotspot slinging smashburgers and loaded tater tots since its pop-up inception in 2012 is shutting down next month after a solid run in the Mission. According to an Instagram post from the burger joint, July 15 will mark the end of an era as WesBurger says goodbye to the city. Wes Rowe, the mastermind behind the retro-style eatery, chose not to renew the lease, leaving fans to savor their final bites of the iconic fare that bolstered San Francisco's thinner, crispier burger trend.
WesBurger surged in popularity after Rowe, initially recognized more for his food photography skills, snagged the winning title at the inaugural San Francisco Burger Brawl. "Because burgers are fun" has been more than a tagline, a philosophy that permeated the space with its 1960s burger stand vibes. A statement from WesBurger 'N' More expressed gratitude towards the staff and patrons, urging customers to "come in, in person and have a last burger." The notice also mentioned Patrick Totah of Restaurant Realty Company handling the sale, for those interested in inquiries.
While WesBurger didn't pioneer the smashburger trend in SF, it certainly played a significant role in popularizing it. The SF Standard reported that Rowe credits Causwells for the push towards this burger style, but with WesBurger's emergence, the fan-favorite quickly became a mainstay on their menu. The restaurant's grounding presence on the corner of Mission Street will certainly be missed, as shared by Chef David Barzelay of Lazy Bear, who told The SF Standard, "I can't believe our block is losing such an awesome place."
The decision to close doesn't come from a lack of love for burgers or the community, but rather a shift in dining habits post-pandemic. Even with attempts to innovate with breakfast menus and small bar concepts like The Den, WesBurger couldn't escape the increase in takeout ratios. Rowe reflects on this cultural shift and the public's preference for in-home dining since the pandemic.
