Remember that burger place that became an overnight sensation in 2009 after President Barack Obama dined in with Vice President Joe Biden?
Then a year later, he brought Russian President Dmitry Medvedev?
Well despite A-list clintele, Ray's Hell Burger closed.
The Washingtonian reported that the Arlington, Va. burger joint and it's sister chain, Ray's Hell-Burger Too, are both temporarily closing as a result of landlord-tenant disputes last month.
The news became official when it was discovered that Ominex, the real estate company located at the Colonial Village Shopping Center, was putting the properties, located on 1723 and 1725 Wilson Boulevard, up for lease.
Passers noticed "For Rent" signs on both restaurant windows while the joint still proudly displayed "Nice 'n' Greasy Stead 'n' Cheesy" banners.
Owner of Ray's, Michael Landrom, did not comment to the Washingtonian.
There is some good news, however, the third sibling, Ray's to the Third, is still open at 1650 Wilson Boulevard.
The restaurant was renowned for the foie gra burger, a specialty at New York City's D'Artagnana the Rotisserie that includes sautéed foie gras, apples and tart balsamic vinegar.
Before the closing, the burger joint drew mixed reviews. Here are a couple from the Yelp.com page:
"This is a place that all burger lovers need to visit. This place is amazing! Best burger joint in the Arlington area," said Thomas N. from Springfield, Va. on yelp. "The burger is juicy and the fries are amazing. The different variety of burgers you can order is great too."
"Overrated and overpriced," said Han V. from Richmond, Va. "I was not impressed by their burgers. They were decent, but I didn't think that they were mind blowing at all. Their burgers are pricey so I was expecting a lot more from the meat itself. I guess it is just the toppings that make the burgers special."
