An Oxford burger restaurant is set to close later this month after its lease has not been renewed following the chain's administration. 

Byron Burgers on George Street will shut its doors for good on October 29, the restaurant has confirmed.

The city council has said it is working to finalise a new letting for the property after the restaurant chain went into administration earlier this year.

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A petition has been launched by the staff to try and save the restaurant.

The petition reads: "Byron Burgers has been a beloved fixture for many years. It's more than just a restaurant.

"It's a community hub where 30 dedicated employees, some of whom have served for over a decade, have made their livelihoods.

"The threat of closure is not just about losing another business. It's about losing an integral part of our community and leaving another empty unit on our street.

"The potential redundancy these hardworking individuals face is heart-breaking and unnecessary. "

The staff petition urges Oxford City Council and Byron Burgers' management team to reopen discussions over the future of the burger joint but the council has stated the restaurant is not closing as a result of the council being unable to grant a new lease.

Oxford Mail: Byron in George Street. Picture Andy Ffrench
The petition continued: "Moreover, this closure would further contribute to the increasing number of vacant units in Oxford city centre.

"According to recent data from Local Data Company (LDC), as many as one in 10 shops are now vacant across UK high streets.

"We understand that decisions like these are complex and often driven by financial considerations.

"However, we believe that with constructive dialogue with Oxford City Council and Byron Burgers' management team, alternative solutions can be found.

"This petition isn't just about saving a restaurant; it's about preserving jobs, maintaining our vibrant city centre and standing up against decisions that negatively impact our community."

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Earlier this year, the owner of Byron Burger said it would shut nine restaurants after falling into administration.

Famously Proper, which owns Byron and fried chicken brand Mother Clucker, said it will cut 218 jobs as a result of the closures.

The company was set up after private equity firm Calveton rescued Byron from a previous administration in 2020 following the impact of the pandemic.

The Oxford branch was not one of the restaurants listed as being in danger of closure following the administration process.

The news of the closure comes weeks after it was announced that American company Shake Shack is coming to Cornmarket.

There are already about 16 Shake Shacks in the UK with the majority across London and there is also one in Cardiff.

It is not yet known exactly when the new Shake Shack will open but the company said it would not be before Christmas. 

The opening of the new restaurant will give a boost to Cornmarket which has suffered from a number of empty units.

One of those units was occupied by Burger King.

It closed for good in January shortly after being awarded a one-star food hygiene rating.

A city council spokesman said: "It is incorrect that the restaurant is closing because the council wouldn’t grant a new lease. The tenant went into administration earlier this year and the city council is working to finalise a new letting for the property."

The petition to save Byron Burgers can be viewed here: https://chng.it/h2Fm2NyQ5G.