Billy Jack's Burger Shack Moving to Largo

A few tears might be flowing along with the beer Friday night at . 

That's because the popular eatery in historic downtown Palm Harbor will close its doors for good sometime that evening, "We'll be going till we run out of beer," says owner Bill McLemore.

McLemore is not happy that his restaurant is closing. He says that for the last three years, he, his family, and staff have worked to build business as the neighborhood burger joint, "We're not doing this by choice, we don't want to leave." 

McLemore says he and his landlord could not come to an agreement about the lease and now the landlord has plans to open his own restaurant in the spot.

Landlord Rick Clowes says McLemore was presented with a lease in May, and was not interested in renewing it. He says McLemore later changed his mind, but it was too late, Clowes already had plans in the works for his restaurant. "I wish him the best," said Clowes.

McLemore says you will still be able to get the same burgers and other fare at a new Billy Jack's Burger Shack that he is planning on opening next month in Largo. The Largo Billy Jack's was originally intended to be the restaurant's second location. McLemore says he purchased the building in Largo before learning that his current lease would end.

The Largo Billy Jack's will seat 155 people compared to the current restaurant's 124 seats. The new restaurant will also have outdoor seating, but not as much as in Palm Harbor. Everything else -from the menu to the decor- will be moved to the Largo location.

McLemore says he's worried about his staff, who will be making the move to Largo, but will not be employed while the new restaurant is being completed. "The thing we're most saddened by is we're putting a lot of people out of work."

Customers are also sad to see the restaurant close. "I think it's absolutely awful," said Ashley Walters, of Oldsmar who was dining outside on the patio with her friend Derek Joseph and his dog, Axle.

Joseph grew up in the area and says he's been dining at Billy Jack's for years. He's sad to see beach-themed restaurant go, "It sucks, it's a good spot to chill." 

Landlord Rick Clowes has not yet revealed any details about the restaurant that will open at the location.

• Billy Jacks Burger Shack is located at . (727) 781-1030. 
• The new Billy Jack's Burger Shack will be located at 1479 S. Belcher in Largo.