Burger King closed because of increased business on East State

by Natalie Morales
Staff Writer

Burger King officials said the unexpected closing of the Court Street location last month stemmed from a decrease in sales and a change in what services customers want.

Gene Wharton, president of Deisher Inc., the company that owns the Athens Burger King, said the company decided to relocate the employees of 28 S. Court St. location, which opened in October 1987, to the newer Burger King on East State Street, which opened Oct. 8.

“I suppose there was a decrease in sales (at the Court Street location),” Wharton said. “Half our sales come through our drive thru, so of course there will be more business at the East State location.”

Company officials said many of the students who were customers of the Court Street Burger King began buying food from the East State Burger King once it opened. Wharton said many of the Court Street customers find it more convenient to drive to the new East State location than to walk to Court Street.

Kay Grose, the director of marketing for Deisher Inc., said the new location provides customers with a “full-service” restaurant, including a drive-thru and a children’s play area.

“(On Court Street) we were very limited in our services,” Grose said.

She also said the location near Wal-Mart is a prime spot for business.

Steve Pierson, Athens City director of code enforcement, said there were no code violations related to the closing of the Court Street location.

The Court Street location closed Oct. 29.

— Natalie Morales