ST. PETERSBURG, FL -- It started in the Tampa Bay area almost 70 years ago and was at one time a chain with more than 150 restaurants. Then it dwindled to a single location in St. Petersburg. Now, the last remnants of Biff-Burger are being auctioned off this Tuesday (7th), as a new property owner prepares to demolish the site for redevelopment.

Greg Farner, owner of Bay Area Auction Services, says they're selling fixtures "to the bare walls" in an auction that will be conducted on line AND in person, at the former Biff Burger location at 3939 49th Street North, which opened in 1956. According to Farner, those include at least one of the "roto-broilers" advertised on the Biff-Burger sign. The founders of Biff-Burger, Bruce and Earl Brane of Clearwater, manufactured the roto-broilers themselves and supplied them to franchisees of the National Biff-Burger System.

At one point, Biff-Burger had locations from Florida all the way to Ontario, Canada. They were recognizable by their "port-a-unit" buildings that could be put up in as little as a week, and their distinctive signs. Some of the buildings and even signs still stand, repurposed. One example is on U.S. 92 at Ariana Avenue in Auburndale, currently serving as a used car lot.

The franchise network was acquired by Mary Carter Paints in 1962 and went out of business in 1976. Individual franchisees were left to scout for supplies on their own. Most shut down within a decade, leaving just the St. Petersburg location and one in Greensboro, North Carolina, which closed earlier this year. The St. Petersburg Biff-Burger diversified over the years, adding adult beverages to the menu and becoming a spot for classic car shows (naturally) and motorcycle get-togethers.

As far as the sign in St. Petersburg goes, Farner says they don't normally sell the marquee, as they're usually left behind for the next property owner to use for signage. But since he has received numerous inquiries, he'll check with the new owner of the property. The recipe for Biff-Burger's "secret sauce" won't be for sale either.

Items that ARE for sale include mixers, trophies, several cases of beer, drink mixes, various bowls and pans, and a deep fryer. About 330 items are up for auction overall.

The link to Tuesday's action is at https://www.bayareaauctionservices.com

The restaurant's Facebook page says "we'll be back" but offers no specifics on a future opening or location.

Listen to an interview with Greg Farner below:

Photo: Bay Are Auction Services

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