San Antonio, November 23, 2025
TJ’s Hamburgers, a beloved Southside institution in San Antonio, has permanently closed its doors after 50 years of serving delicious burgers. This family-owned restaurant’s sudden closure was announced through a heartfelt handwritten note, paying tribute to its founder, Thomas Carruthers. Along with TJ’s, several other burger establishments in San Antonio have also recently ceased operations, leaving the community in a state of nostalgia and sadness about the local culinary landscape’s transformation. As they reflect on these closures, residents hope for new dining ventures to emerge.
San Antonio, Texas
Beloved Burger Joint Closes After 50 Years
TJ’s Hamburgers, a cherished Southside establishment in San Antonio, has closed its doors after 50 years of service. The family-owned restaurant, known for its simple yet delicious burgers, announced its sudden closure with a handwritten note stating, “We are no longer able to stay open.” The note paid homage to founder Thomas Carruthers, who passed away in 2017, signing off with “In Carruthers honor.” The closure has left the community in shock, as TJ’s was active on social media as recently as September and had celebrated its anniversary earlier this year. In July, the owners invested in a new air conditioning system to weather San Antonio’s scorching summer heat.
Recent Closures of San Antonio Burger Joints
Several other burger establishments in San Antonio have recently ceased operations.
- Bunz Handcrafted Burgers: Closed its location at 6819 N. Loop 1604 W. after two years of operation.
- Teddy B’s Burgers, Hot Dogs & More: Announced its permanent closure at the end of October 2024 after 10 years in business.
- Bandit BBQ & Burgers: Closed in October 2025 due to unspecified circumstances, despite reopening in March 2025 after a nearly three-year hiatus.
- Bill Miller Bar-B-Q at 430 S. Santa Rosa Ave.: Closed on September 12, 2025, following the move to a new plant.
Community Impact and Reactions
The closures of these long-standing burger joints have deeply affected the San Antonio community. Residents have expressed their sadness and nostalgia for these local institutions that have been part of the city’s culinary landscape for decades. The sudden closures highlight the challenges faced by local businesses in a rapidly changing economic environment.
Background on TJ’s Hamburgers
Founded in 1973 by Thomas and Bea Carruthers, TJ’s Hamburgers became a staple in the Southside community, serving generations of customers with its straightforward menu and welcoming atmosphere. Despite the passing of Thomas Carruthers in 2017, the restaurant continued to operate under the family’s guidance, maintaining its legacy and commitment to quality. The recent closure marks the end of an era for the beloved eatery.
Looking Ahead
As San Antonio bids farewell to these cherished burger joints, the community reflects on the rich history and cultural significance of these establishments. While the closures are a loss, they also open the door for new culinary ventures to emerge and contribute to the city’s vibrant food scene. Residents remain hopeful that the spirit of local dining will continue to thrive in San Antonio.
FAQ
What happened to TJ’s Hamburgers?
TJ’s Hamburgers, a cherished Southside establishment in San Antonio, has closed its doors after 50 years of service. The family-owned restaurant, known for its simple yet delicious burgers, announced its sudden closure with a handwritten note stating, “We are no longer able to stay open.” The note paid homage to founder Thomas Carruthers, who passed away in 2017, signing off with “In Carruthers honor.” The closure has left the community in shock, as TJ’s was active on social media as recently as September and had celebrated its anniversary earlier this year. In July, the owners invested in a new air conditioning system to weather San Antonio’s scorching summer heat.
Which other burger joints in San Antonio have closed recently?
Several other burger establishments in San Antonio have recently ceased operations.
– Bunz Handcrafted Burgers: Closed its location at 6819 N. Loop 1604 W. after two years of operation.
– Teddy B’s Burgers, Hot Dogs & More: Announced its permanent closure at the end of October 2024 after 10 years in business.
– Bandit BBQ & Burgers: Closed in October 2025 due to unspecified circumstances, despite reopening in March 2025 after a nearly three-year hiatus.
– Bill Miller Bar-B-Q at 430 S. Santa Rosa Ave.: Closed on September 12, 2025, following the move to a new plant.
How has the community reacted to these closures?
The closures of these long-standing burger joints have deeply affected the San Antonio community. Residents have expressed their sadness and nostalgia for these local institutions that have been part of the city’s culinary landscape for decades. The sudden closures highlight the challenges faced by local businesses in a rapidly changing economic environment.
What is the history of TJ’s Hamburgers?
Founded in 1973 by Thomas and Bea Carruthers, TJ’s Hamburgers became a staple in the Southside community, serving generations of customers with its straightforward menu and welcoming atmosphere. Despite the passing of Thomas Carruthers in 2017, the restaurant continued to operate under the family’s guidance, maintaining its legacy and commitment to quality. The recent closure marks the end of an era for the beloved eatery.
What does the future hold for San Antonio’s dining scene?
As San Antonio bids farewell to these cherished burger joints, the community reflects on the rich history and cultural significance of these establishments. While the closures are a loss, they also open the door for new culinary ventures to emerge and contribute to the city’s vibrant food scene. Residents remain hopeful that the spirit of local dining will continue to thrive in San Antonio.
| Key Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Closure of TJ’s Hamburgers | After 50 years of operation, announced sudden closure citing inability to remain open. |
| Other Recent Closures | Bunz Handcrafted Burgers, Teddy B’s, Bandit BBQ & Burgers, and others have also closed. |
| Community Reaction | Residents are saddened by the loss of local institutions that have shaped the city’s dining landscape. |
| History of TJ’s Hamburgers | Founded in 1973, served as a staple for generations in the Southside community. |
| Future of San Antonio Dining | Despite losses, community is hopeful for new culinary ventures to emerge. |
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Author: STAFF HERE SAN ANTONIO WRITER
The SAN ANTONIO STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERESanAntonio.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in San Antonio, Bexar 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 Fiesta San Antonio, San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo, and Dia de los Muertos. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater San Antonio Chamber of Commerce and United Way of San Antonio and Bexar County, plus leading businesses in retail, insurance, and energy that power the local economy such as H-E-B, USAA, and Valero Energy. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAustinTX.com, HERECollegeStation.com, HEREDallas.com, and HEREHouston.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Texas's dynamic landscape.
