Troubled burger chain Lick’s has closed seven locations in eight months

Last fall, Toronto chain Lick’s, famous for bulky burgers, hokey decor and gung-ho staff who shout-sing orders, closed its Queen East store after 32 years. Since then, six more GTA locations have shut down, kicking some franchisees to the curb without notice. The reported reason for some of the closures: the company owes over $200,000 in rent to various landlords. It also owes $500,000 in sales tax to the provincial and federal governments. Lick’s president Denise Meehan hasn’t responded to speculation that the chain could be in trouble, although a note on the company’s Facebook page ties the closures to a “restructuring process”. The fate of the remaining 13 Lick’s is yet to be determined. In the meantime, staff continue to belt out orders, albeit with dampened enthusiasm. [CBC]