A POPULAR burger restaurant has closed down causing despair among its loyal customers. 

Burgerworks, in Friar Street, Worcester, announced the closure on their Facebook page today.

The business was pitched as Worcester's first dedicated burger restaurant when it opened in 2014. 

It is being replaced by a new restaurant, Friar Street Kitchen, which is expected to open on Easter Sunday.

Arvin Gautama, the owner of Burgerworks, said: "After enjoying 22 years of trading and running our own restaurants in Worcester, we feel it's time to take life a little easier.  

“We have sold the business and are ready to start a new chapter in our lives.

"We were the first dedicated burger restaurant in Worcester and we feel that there is still a place and support for quality independent businesses in this city.

“We would like to thank you lovely people of Worcester and beyond for many years of patronage at Burgerworks, Puccini's and the Lemon Tree.

“Our fabulous staff have supported us so amazingly and worked so hard to enable us to provide service and food that we are proud of and an ethos of local provision in all areas, environmental consciousness and community support.

“We wish the new owners the very best in paving the way with yet another fabulous independent restaurant for Worcester.”

Kate Page, co-director of Friar Street Kitchen, said: “[We] will be taking on the premises as an independent, locally sourced, British restaurant.

“We are a young, experienced couple from farming families. Our ethos as a business is to support local farmers and produce local flavours at a reasonable price.

“We will be providing seasonal salads, soups, sandwiches and quiche throughout the daytime whilst focusing on local steaks in the evening.”

Many customers were upset to read about the closure of Burgerworks.

Angela Shouler, of Worcester, said: “So sad to see you go but sometimes it's just time to move on.

“Wishing you every happiness in whatever path you choose next and you leave behind a memory of lots of lovely times in your establishments.

“You and your staff have been wonderful and you should be very proud!”

Rick Ormerod, also from Worcester, said: “This makes me sad to read. A great independent business offering great food in every guise. Good luck in your new chapter.

Another customer asked her friend where they would get their bacon, avocado and cheddar burgers from after the closure.

Burgerworks was Worcester's first dedicated burger restaurant and opened in October 2014, according to its Facebook page.

Friar Street Kitchen will be open from noon until 10pm on Tuesday to Saturday and 10am to 2pm on Sunday.