40-Year-Old Fran's Hamburgers Shutters On SoCo

Iconic South Congress burger joint Fran's Hamburgers closed yesterday, with owner Ed Terrazas telling the Austin American-Statesman that the restaurant's "lease was up and the family chose not to renew." Fran's originally began its burgery life as a Dan's Hamburgers in 1973, but when Dan and Frances Junk divorced in 1990, the local chain split off into separate Fran's and Dan's operations. The lone remaining Fran's is now up north on Cameron Road, while Dan's has four locations.

Chowhounders are predictably pissed, blaming "all you hipster condo dwellers that are taking away what truly makes Austin unique" for the closure. Perhaps the Hill's Cafe revamp will sweep in just in time to serve those displaced south-of-the-river Fran's fans searching for an old-fashioned burger.

· Fran's Hamburgers on South Congress Closing [Statesman]
· All Restaurant Closings on Eater Austin [-EATX-]
· All Hamburgers Coverage on Eater Austin [-EATX-]