By John Catsis

Special to grantcountybeat.com

Another fast food restaurant has closed in Silver City. Burger King, located at 1418 Highway 180, near the Grant County Administration Building, shut its lights on March 9, according to franchise owner Ronald Carballo of Rio Rancho.

GǣThat's when our franchise agreement with Burger King expired,Gǥ said Carballo.

The now-boarded up building is listed for sale with an Albuquerque real estate firm, according to Carballo.

He said there were two major reasons for the closure. First, he cited fluctuations in our local economy, mostly affected by mine activity. Second, he said there was difficulty in finding employees for the restaurant.

GǣThree of our four management personnel have accepted transfers to our Deming restaurant,Gǥ Carballo said, Gǣand seven others were let go.Gǥ

Carballo has 24 other Burger King restaurants, but the Silver City eatery was the only one currently experiencing financial and staffing difficulties.

Five other fast food restaurants have closed in Silver City in the past ten years.