Thunderbird Bar will soon be taking over the Foster Burger space. The bar, operated by the Lightning Bar Collective (Bye and Bye, Jackknife), has been located in the same building as the burger restaurant since opening in December 2017, and will be absorbing the adjoining space following Foster Burger’s closure, this Sunday, July 7. As reported by Willamette Week, Foster Burger’s owners, the Chefstable group, decided to sell the restaurant, which was originally opened in December 2009 by Andy Ricker and Daniel Mondok; Chefstable took over the business in 2010.

Up 'til now, Thunderbird—located on Southeast Foster—has served a menu largely devoted to vegan barbecue and vegan burgers and sliders. Thunderbird's Mike Mello tells the Mercury that Thunderbird will be taking over Foster Burger’s kitchen operations, and will be keeping some classics from their menu, and will also add “a whole bunch of vegan options over the first month or so.” There will be a short remodeling period for the restaurant side, and then the entire building will open as Thunderbird; the bar’s existing space will remain open during renovations.

Foster Burger general manager Steen Sawyer confirmed Foster Burger’s closure to the Mercury late last week, but requested the news remain under wraps until Kurt Huffman of Chefstable made a formal announcement. Per Sawyer, Foster Burger staff were given advance warning of the closure, although some have already left to look for new work. For burger lovers, Foster Burger will serve its last patty on Sunday, July 7.

Thunderbird Bar & Foster Burger, 5339 SE Foster