A BURGER restaurant in Basingstoke is listed as ‘permanently closed’ sparking fears that it is another loss for the town.

Members of the public reported seeing Gourmet Burger Kitchen (GBK) in Festival Place being emptied out yesterday.

When a Gazette reporter photographed the unit earlier today it was empty inside and the sign outside removed. 

GBK’s website lists the Basingstoke branch as ‘closed’ and on Google it is listed as ‘permanently closed’.

The news comes as the Gazette revealed last week that there are more than 50 empty units in Basingstoke town centre.

GBK launched in 2001 and now has 35 restaurants across the UK, Ireland, and Dubai.

It offers a range of beef, chicken, and vegetarian burgers as well as milkshakes made with real ice cream.

Last year it was reported that the future of GBK was in doubt after the chain’s owner said it was pulling the plug on financial support.

The brand said GBK had seen a deterioration in sales during March 2020, ahead of closures because of the pandemic.

Later in the year in October 2020 GBK cut 362 jobs despite being bought in a rescue deal by Boparan Restaurant Group.

It announced the closure of 26 stores, while saving 35 sites and 669 jobs.

The Basingstoke branch was not on the list of those closing.

Both GBK and Festival Place have been asked for a comment.