A long-time New Jersey Burger King is closing, according to the New Jersey Herald.
The company's franchise location, which as been around for over three decades on route 23 in Franklin, N.J. was found closed Friday the Herald reported.
According to the Herald, a sign on the front door read: "Sorry we are closed for business".
It's not known why the location closed or when it might open up again. The closure came as a surprise to residents despite rumors the location might close late last week.
"I'm surprised because they always seemed to have a steady stream through there," Freeholder Phil Crabb told the Herald.
The location was reportedly open Thursday according to the Herald. An employee approached by the Herald in the parking lot of the location was told to not comment. Phone calls made by the Herald to Burger King's corporate headquarters were not returned.
Franklin Mayor Paul Crowley told the Herald he's not happy about the closure, but is optimistic about the next company to make its home there.
"I'm disappointed when anything closes," he said. "We'll get something else in there."
McDonald's, Arby's, and Wendy's are near the location according to the Herald. Franklin councilman Nicholas Giordano told the Herald the Burger King took the place of Carroll's, a hamburger place when it was built. Giordano said the closure would be felt throughout the community, similar to times when other businesses shut down such as a former shirt factory, which had 650 employees the Herald reported.
"We've lost so much and gained so little," he said.
The second-largest fast food hamburger chain was established in 1954 and is famous for the "Whopper" burger according to the company's website. The food item has a quarter-pound beef patty on a sesame seed bun with mayonnaise, lettuce, tomato, pickles, ketchup, and onion.
