A famed San Francisco hamburger joint has closed after a viral photo last month showed raw patties being left on the street outside the restaurant in extreme heat.
The news — first reported by Eater SF — came as the joint had been embroiled in controversy and “wasn’t getting” there.
“We simply weren’t getting the traction needed at that location,” Hamburger Project co-owner Tan Truong said.
The spot was located at the corner of Guerrero and 18th in the famed Mission District, known for its trend-setting restaurants and bars.
The news comes just months after four thick rolls of hamburger meat and a large jar of mayonnaise were left outside the restaurant in extreme heat by a delivery driver because no one was there to accept it, along with a text that read: “Hiiii, I don’t have time.”
The picture circulating on social media sparked controversy and strong reactions from customers and residents alike.
Leaving raw meat and mayonnaise out in extreme heat can make them unsafe to eat in less than one hour.
The combination of heat and air accelerates bacterial growth to dangerous levels, leading to a high risk of food poisoning.
Immediately after seeing this, the owners responded, addressing concerns.
“Obviously we disposed of the product as soon as we found it. We appreciate the community’s vigilance and continued support,” the eatery wrote in an Instagram post, noting that they had also updated their delivery procedures to ensure it never happens again.
Truong told the Chronicle that due to high demand during that period, they had run low on beef.
He was also unable to be there for the delivery himself because he was on a plane back to San Francisco, according to the report.
“It’s a horrible image to have ground beef sitting on the sidewalk, but we have protocols against using products like that, and we definitely do not condone leaving it outside like that,” Truong said.
The smashburger “burger-gate” incident is not the only reason the joint became widely known.
Its co-founder was also embroiled in accusations of verbal and sexual abuse by a local influencer who had eaten at and reviewed the restaurant.
Chef Geoffrey Lee left his three restaurants after a public controversy. The dispute began when influencer Kat Ensign posted a negative review of Hamburger Project. Lee responded with insulting messages, which were shared online and amplified by Maggie Z, causing backlash.
As criticism grew, Lee was removed as executive chef and stepped down from Ju-Ni, Hand Roll Project, and Hamburger Project.
Whether it was bad luck, good food, raw meat, or coincidence, the location has a history of shuttered businesses.
The spot at 598 Guerrero Street is often called “cursed” because many restaurants there have quickly failed despite being in a busy neighborhood.
Over the years, places like Ebb & Flow and AL’s Deli lasted only months, according to a KQED investigation.
Some link the bad luck to its unusual history: in the 1800s, psychic Mrs. C. Mayo-Steers reportedly held séances there.
Later, staff reported strange events like flickering lights and moving objects, fueling the belief that the location may be haunted or unlucky.
