If you’ve driven down Route 9 lately looking for that branded burger bun, you’ve probably noticed something is different. BurgerFi Latham New York used to be the go-to spot for anyone who wanted a "better burger" without the pretension of a sit-down steakhouse. It was a vibe. You had the recycled Coca-Cola bottle chairs, the giant fans that looked like they belonged in a Boeing hangar, and those fries that seemed to never end.
But things changed fast.
Honestly, the local burger scene in the Capital Region has been a bit of a rollercoaster. One minute we’re celebrating a new opening, and the next, there’s a "Closed" sign on the door. For the Latham location at 860 New Loudon Road, the story isn't just about a restaurant closing—it's about the end of a specific era of dining in our area.
The Rise and Sudden Exit of BurgerFi Latham New York
The Latham spot opened its doors about a decade ago, back in 2015. It was a big deal. Local heavy hitters like the Lia family and hospitality legend Angelo Mazzone were behind it. They weren't just flipping burgers; they were trying to "burgerfied" the nation, or at least our corner of it.
The concept was simple: 100% natural Angus beef. No steroids. No antibiotics. No freezers. Everything was supposed to be fresh. For a long time, it worked. People loved the "CEO" burger with its wagyu blend and truffle aioli. It felt like luxury fast food.
Then came the bombshell. In late 2024, news broke that the local franchise owners were pulling the plug. They chose not to renew their agreement with the national chain. By December 1, 2024, both the Latham and Saratoga Springs locations officially shut down.
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Why? It’s complicated.
National corporate struggles didn't help. BurgerFi International actually filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in September 2024. While the local owners, Bill, Michael, and Vincent Lia, expressed gratitude to their customers, they basically signaled that it was time to move on to "new possibilities." It was a quiet exit for a place that started with so much noise.
What Most People Got Wrong About the Menu
Most folks thought BurgerFi was just another Five Guys or Shake Shack clone. It wasn't. The menu had some weirdly specific gems that you couldn't find elsewhere.
- The VegeFi Burger: Unlike those "bleeding" plant-based patties, this was a crunchy, earthy mix of quinoa, lentils, and carrots. It had a cult following for a reason.
- The Conflicted Burger: A masterpiece of indecision. One beef patty, one veggie patty. It sounds wrong, but the textures actually worked.
- The Fries: They were hand-cut from Russet potatoes. If you ordered the "Urban Style," they came smothered in garlic aioli and herbs.
- Custard over Ice Cream: Their shakes were made with frozen custard. It’s denser and richer than regular ice cream. If you never tried the Red Velvet shake, you genuinely missed out.
The price point was always a sticking point for people, though. You’d walk in, grab a burger, fries, and a drink, and suddenly you’re out $25. In a town like Latham, where you have a million other options, that’s a tough sell day in and day out.
The Evolving Landscape of Route 9 Dining
Latham is a brutal place for restaurants. It’s the "Chain Capital" of the Capital Region, but that doesn't mean success is guaranteed. Within a few miles of the old BurgerFi Latham New York site, you’ve got everything from Five Guys to Herbie’s Burgers.
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The competition is relentless.
When BurgerFi first arrived, the "fast-casual" boom was peaking. We wanted better ingredients and were willing to pay for them. But as the years went by, the novelty of a $15 burger started to wear thin for some. Then you add in the rise of local favorites like Herbie’s, which offers a more "old school" vibe at a different price point, and the middle ground BurgerFi occupied started to feel a bit shaky.
Interestingly, the space at 860 New Loudon Road hasn't just disappeared into the ether. The Lia family hinted at bringing new concepts to these locations. They know the area. They know the traffic. It’s just a matter of finding the right fit for 2026 and beyond.
Behind the Scenes: The Sustainability Hook
One thing that often went unnoticed was how much effort went into the "green" aspect of the store. The Latham location was built with a conscience.
The tables were made from compressed recycled wood. The chairs? Upcycled plastic. Even the oil they used for the fries was recycled into biodiesel. In 2015, that was revolutionary for a burger joint. By today’s standards, it’s almost expected, but BurgerFi was one of the first to bake that into their DNA.
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They also sourced their beef from specific ranches that focused on humane treatment. For a lot of Latham locals, this was a major selling point. You felt a little less guilty about the 800-calorie bacon cheeseburger if you knew the cow lived a decent life and the chair you were sitting on was once a soda bottle.
Is It Gone for Good?
As of 2026, the BurgerFi name is no longer a fixture in Latham. If you're craving that specific "Fi Sauce," your best bet is looking toward the remaining locations in New York City or other states, but the Capital Region chapter is closed.
It’s a reminder of how quickly the food scene shifts. One year you're the "best burger in town," and the next, you're a memory on a Reddit thread.
If you find yourself missing the experience, there are still ways to recapture that flavor profile. The "Yes, Chef" burger—which was basically a simplified cheeseburger with caramelized onions—is a style many local spots are now mimicking. Smash burgers are the current king, and while BurgerFi wasn't strictly a smash-burger joint, they paved the way for that thinner, seared-patty style that we’re all obsessed with now.
Actionable Next Steps for Burger Lovers
If you were a regular at the Latham location and are feeling the void, here’s what you can do:
- Explore Local Alternatives: Check out Herbie’s Burgers or even the local diners in the area that have upped their game to compete with the gourmet chains.
- Watch the Space: Keep an eye on the 860 New Loudon Road property. The Lia family has a history of successful ventures, and whatever lands there next is likely to be tailored specifically to current Capital Region tastes.
- Check for Rewards: If you still have the BurgerFi app, check your balance. While the Latham store is gone, your rewards might still be valid if you travel to other regions where the chain is still operating.
The departure of BurgerFi from Latham marks a shift in how we eat. We’re moving away from the giant national franchises and leaning back into local ownership and specific, high-quality niches. It’s a bittersweet goodbye, but the next big thing in the Latham food scene is usually just around the corner.