Upperhand Burgers Swanbourne Announces Closure After Eight Years
A pioneering restaurant in Perth's western suburbs is preparing to shut its doors permanently after eight years of delighting the local community with its innovative burger creations. The team behind Upperhand Burgers in Swanbourne shared the emotional news on social media early Monday morning, informing their dedicated followers of the impending closure.
Heartfelt Farewell to Loyal Patrons
"After more than eight years at the heart of Perth's burger scene, the time has come for us to close our doors," the restaurant's official statement declared. The operators of the Claremont Crescent establishment expressed profound gratitude to their customers for years of unwavering support and for establishing a cherished weekly tradition around their dining experience.
The restaurant's management emphasized their pride in what they had accomplished, stating, "We're incredibly proud of what we've built and deeply grateful to everyone who has supported us over the last eight years." They reflected on their culinary journey, from initial experiments with smash patties and Asian-inspired accompaniments to their groundbreaking realization that boba tea and burgers formed an unexpectedly perfect combination for Perth's palate.
Innovative Culinary Legacy
Upperhand Burgers originally opened in 2018 through the collaborative effort of two local families who made the daring choice to serve their signature smash patties on potato buns. This distinctive pairing has since become a fundamental element across numerous other burger establishments throughout Perth. The restaurant earned particular recognition as the world's first venue to successfully pair smash burgers with boba ice tea, introducing an inventive Asian fusion twist to the traditional Western dish.
The establishment even developed a spiked boba tea variation for adult patrons seeking a more potent beverage option alongside their meals. This creative approach to burger service helped solidify Upperhand's reputation as a trailblazer in Perth's competitive food landscape.
Final Weeks of Operation
Devoted customers hoping to enjoy one last Upperhand burger still have an opportunity, as the Swanbourne location will remain operational for two additional weeks before concluding service permanently. The restaurant plans to maintain its lively atmosphere with scheduled DJ sets and live music performances continuing right up until the final day of business on Sunday, May 3.
Throughout these concluding weeks, the burger joint will persist in offering their popular Wednesday special of $6 cheeseburgers, providing affordable access to their fan-favorite items. The closure announcement carried a note of optimism, with the restaurant hinting that "this isn't a goodbye but a see you later," suggesting potential future developments beyond the current Swanbourne venue.
Broader Restaurant Closures in Perth
The specific reasons behind Upperhand Burgers' decision to cease operations remain undisclosed, though this development follows a pattern of restaurant closures across Perth in recent months. Fremantle's Young George bar and restaurant concluded service earlier this month after navigating what they described as a "difficult few years." Similarly, Wellington Street's Fleur restaurant plans to close later in April after six years of operation, with owners shifting focus toward other professional pursuits.
These consecutive closures highlight ongoing challenges within Perth's hospitality sector, though Upperhand's management has not provided detailed commentary regarding their specific circumstances. The restaurant's innovative contributions to Perth's culinary scene will undoubtedly leave a lasting impression on both local food enthusiasts and the broader restaurant community.
