News Summary
The Wayback Burgers in Lexington has unexpectedly closed, leaving the community and customers surprised. Management cited multiple business and personal reasons for the closure. The restaurant, popular for its burgers and milkshakes, has been a local favorite since its opening in 2019. With over 166 locations worldwide, this closure marks a sad moment for loyal patrons and signals a halt in local growth for the franchise.
Wayback Burgers in Lexington Shuts Down Amid Unspecified Reasons
The Wayback Burgers restaurant located at 5230 Sunset Blvd in Lexington has closed its doors, leaving the community and loyal customers in surprise. This closure was confirmed during a reporter’s visit on Thursday afternoon, a time typically designated for business operations.
Signs were posted in the restaurant’s doors and windows, expressing gratitude to the community for their patronage. The management’s note revealed that the closure was due to “multiple business and personal reasons,” stating that they have made the difficult decision to close for the last time.
The Wayback Burgers location page on the company’s website now reflects that the restaurant is categorized as “closed” every day of the week for operating hours. This shutdown marks a significant change in a community that had embraced the restaurant since its opening.
Details on the Restaurant
Wayback Burgers was situated in a shopping center anchored by Lowes Foods and was the go-to destination for many in the area seeking burgers, chicken sandwiches, chicken tenders, and hand-dipped milkshakes. The location was first announced in 2018 and officially opened in 2019, quickly becoming a local favorite.
Franchise Background
Wayback Burgers has celebrated remarkable expansion since its inception. As of August 1, 2025, the franchise boasts 166 locations worldwide, with over 500 commitments to open new locations in the coming years. Currently, Wayback Burgers operates active locations in 30 states and several countries.
The first half of 2019 saw the opening of two new locations overseas, including one in Hofof, Saudi Arabia, and another in Manitoba, Canada. Additionally, there were expansion plans targeting European markets, including Germany, France, and the U.K. In North America, three new locations were added in 2019, including Lexington, SC.
Growth and Community Engagement
The franchise has experienced considerable growth, with 18 new locations added in 2018, achieving a 14 percent growth rate. Partnerships have also evolved, including a shift in beverage suppliers from Pepsi to Coca-Cola. The company further modernized its operations by collaborating with Uber Eats and DoorDash for delivery services.
An ongoing commitment to the community was highlighted through partnerships, such as the one with the Boys & Girls Clubs of America, where the restaurant aimed to raise $100,000 within a year. By March 2019, this effort had exceeded expectations, generating nearly $125,000 for the organization.
Promotional events, like National Hamburger Month celebrated in May 2019, contributed to the brand’s visibility and customer engagement, resulting in an 8.3 percent increase in year-over-year sales. Furthermore, app downloads surged by 18 percent in May 2019 as customers took advantage of special offers.
Conclusion
The closure of the Wayback Burgers in Lexington not only affects loyal customers who enjoyed its various menu offerings but also signifies a pause in the recent growth of the brand locally. As Wayback Burgers prepares for its future endeavors, the Lexington community reflects on the enjoyment they experienced at this popular dining location.
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HERE Resources
Additional Resources
- The State: Wayback Burgers in Lexington Shuts Down
- Wikipedia: Restaurant
- Wayback Burgers: Expansion News
- Google Search: Franchise Industry
- The State: Business News
- Google Scholar: Restaurant Business
- The State: Local Business Review
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Fast Food
Author: STAFF HERE LEXINGTON WRITER
The LEXINGTON STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERELexington.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Lexington, Fayette County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Woodland Art Fair, Crave Food and Music Festival, and Railbird Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like Commerce Lexington and Blue Grass Community Foundation, plus leading businesses in education, manufacturing, and technology that power the local economy such as University of Kentucky, Toyota Motor Manufacturing, and Lexmark. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBowlingGreen.com and HERELouisville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Kentucky's dynamic landscape.
