Wauna Burger, the small Key Peninsula burger joint that quietly became a local habit, will flip its last patties on May 9 after three years along State Route 302. The owners say a lease dispute is forcing the closure and are already hunting for a new spot, even as regulars hurry in for farewell meals and goodbye milkshakes.
In a Facebook announcement, the restaurant told fans, "It is with a heavy heart, that we have to close our doors, due to our lease not being renewed," and confirmed May 9 as the final day of business. The post sparked more than 200 reactions and over 100 comments, with customers peppering the owners with questions about what happened and whether rent had gone up, according to The News Tribune.
Landlord And Tenant Offer Different Stories
Property owner Laura Scheel told a reporter she did not raise the rent and said the stalemate was over who would pay for tenant improvements to an empty neighboring space she had offered Wauna Burger as an expansion. "Rent was never an issue," Scheel said, adding that the restaurant’s lease is set to expire May 15. She told The News Tribune she felt she had little choice after the disagreement over build-out costs.
Where It Sits And What Was On The Menu
Wauna Burger operates at 11717 State Route 302 NW in the Wauna area of Gig Harbor and shows up on local maps and review platforms as a low-key neighborhood burger stop. Listings describe a menu of burgers, subs, sandwiches, salads and fries, along with current hours and phone information. According to Apple Maps and directory sites such as Restaurantji, the spot has been a steady draw for Key Peninsula residents looking for a casual bite.
What’s Next For Customers And Crew
The owners told followers they are "actively looking for another location" and hope to land somewhere else on the Key Peninsula, language shared on Facebook. Staff will keep serving through the announced final day while longtime customers schedule last visits and goodbye meetups. If the search for a new home pans out, the owners say they plan to reopen, though no future address has been named yet.
