On Tuesday, we went to photograph what was left of Beef-Burger and experienced great nostalgia for the boiled burgers and a business that had been on West Gate City Boulevard for decades- since back when it was Lee Street. It seems like the iconic black and white checkered floors and the yellow seats had been the same forever. As you can see in the photo, the OPEN sign is no longer in the window. The mechanical car and the vending machines remain- as if time is standing still. We learned that yesterday, owner Ralph Havis, the heart and soul of Beef-Burger, has died. There were rumors of his declining health in May when the business closed. Sometimes, when an owner passes, there simply isn't anyone who is willing or able to pour as much of their life into a business as the main proprietor.
Ralph must have had a sense of humor, as he addressed business concerns with signage and remained open, in spite of some of the challenges of running a restaurant in a part of town where there were so many needy and suffering customers. The signs said, "If you are drunk, eat somewhere else" and "no bumming..." Also in the window are signs that say "Thank you, Greensboro!" and "Beef Burger is CLOSED PERMANENTLY. Ralph appreciates all the thoughts and prayers from customers and friends. We humbly thank you all for years of service." For those who ate here, the yellow, turquoise, and red facade, and the yellow, black, and white interior just wouldn't be the same without Ralph. Today's photo- with the interior and the reflection of the new UNCG building across the street, and the sky- speaks to the passing of time and the transitions that ensure.
Goodbye, Ralph and thank YOU for your service to Greensboro.
Whatever comes after it won't be as appealing.
Posted by: William Kendall | Thursday, July 15, 2021 at 08:01 AM