GREENFIELD — Nearly 30 people started 2017 without jobs following the closure of Greenfield’s Burger King, which shut down at the end of the business day on Dec. 31.

Increasing costs and declining sales played a large factor in the decision to close the restaurant at 463 Bernardston Road, according to Marie Cromwell, wife of franchise operator Harry Cromwell. Marie Cromwell explained they lease the building and their 20-year franchise agreement with Burger King’s corporation has ended.

A global multi-million dollar investment firm called 3G Capital purchased Burger King Corporation in 2010. Information about possible replacement franchisees for the Greenfield fast food store was not immediately available Tuesday.

“At some point, you have to say, ‘It’s not getting better,’ and you make a decision,” Marie Cromwell said about the closure.

She said her husband owns six other Burger King locations (the closest is in North Adams) as well as several Kentucky Fried Chicken eateries in eastern Massachusetts through his franchise entity, named QuikFoodIV LLC. She said the Greenfield location was previously owned by the Burger King corporation itself and had been in operation since the 1980s. She mentioned some management-level employees may be retained to work in other franchise locations.

Marie Cromwell said her husband is open to the possibility of moving the franchise to a different location if a suitable one is found.

The Greenfield building sat empty and dark on Tuesday, with all promotional posters removed from the windows. Food information from the menu at the drive-thru intercom had been removed. A few sheets of paper reading “Burger king is closed!” were posted on a few spots around the building.

Marie Cromwell said the restaurant manager was tasked with informing employees of the closure.

Warwick resident Steve Ruggiero pulled into the parking lot around 11:30 a.m. and was shocked to learn the restaurant was closed for good.

“I’m surprised. It’s one of the best places in town,” he said adding that he visited the eatery whenever he had an appointment or shopping to do in Greenfield. He said he prefers Burger King over other fast-food chains like McDonald’s.

He said he hopes a Burger King opens in Orange or another town closer to Warwick.

You can reach Domenic Poli at: dpoli@recorder.com
or 413-772-0261, ext. 258.
On Twitter: @DomenicPoli

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