Janelle Irwin Taylor
The iconic Biff Burger in St. Petersburg could be closing if the stars don’t align for the longtime classic burger joint on 49th Street near 38th Avenue North. The restaurant’s former owners, George and Sandra Musser, are suing to foreclose on the property and restaurant because the new owners are defaulting on payments.
The historic burger and barbecue spot opened in 1960 as part of a pretty large chain that later disintegrated after Burger King bought most of the franchises. The Musser’s kept their Biff Burger, which is an acronym for “best in fast food,” and it has been a staple of the hot rod and classic car community for decades. On Friday nights, proud car owners line up with their supped up Ford Mustangs and old school Chevy Camaros, among others.
But the aging couple sold the business in 2015 to Raphael Prezioso and his family for an undisclosed sum. Since then, the lawsuit alleges the family has missed payments on the $600,000 mortgage for which the Musser’s still hold the note.
The property and restaurant would be sold to the highest bidder at auction if the foreclosure goes through and the new owners would then have to decide whether to keep the restaurant open, according to the Musser family attorney Howard Ross.
The lawsuit lays out a series of payment defaults to vendors and claims the financial stewardship of Biff Burger has been so bad some vendors have refused to supply the business even on a cash-on-demand basis. Additionally, the Musser’s claim the business has scaled back on wait staff and shrunk the restaurant’s menu and that the restaurant “is deteriorating both physically and in patronage and reputation.”
Ross said the foreclosure suit is “longer than most” because it includes so many allegations of mismanagement and delinquent payments. He said it’s impossible to tell how long the proceedings may take, but if it progresses without too much pushback from defendants, it could take a year. If there is a more detailed defense strategy, Ross said it could take longer.
Ross has not been in contact with the defendants on the case, he said. Rafael Prezioso did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
Biff Burger isn’t just known for its Friday night classic car get togethers. The restaurant also hosts popular bike nights on Wednesdays and Saturdays. It’s also popular for its hearty burgers with a well-guarded secret sauce recipe consisting of ketchup and several other spices.
The drive in and restaurant also serves barbecue and sundaes and milkshakes, making it a popular spot for families as well. It’s one of a handful of historic restaurants still operating in Tampa Bay.
41 comments
Mike Fletcher
September 27, 2018 at 9:03 am
SAVE THE BIFF!!!
Rickyyt
September 27, 2018 at 1:31 pm
Save the biff been going there since born im 57
Lola
September 27, 2018 at 6:44 pm
SINCE 1985 FOR ME, KEEP BIFF BURGER, MY KIDS REMEMBER HOOLA HOOP CONTESTS
R.S. Andrews
September 28, 2018 at 12:16 am
And so much for another historical landmark … over money. Raphael Prezioso doesn’t strike me as a real, traditional AMERICAN name. Don’t doubt he came over on a boat looking for a fast source of income and saw the BIFF was for sale. I’ve been going to the BIFF since it was located on 34th Street North at about 31st Avenue North. (BIFF = Best In Fresh Food). 1960’s. Now in comes a foreigner and destroys the entire customer base because he doesn’t want to do anything related to “”WORK.” He probably saw the monthly income and liked it, but thought it was based on food sales alone. Then ran off all the customers, bikers, car/truck people thinking the income would remain the same. Seems it didn’t. Save The BIFF!!
GeorgeA.
September 28, 2018 at 8:29 am
Are you a psychic full time or just on news articles? You take one look at his name and come up with an entire story. Well, I’ve got one for you. R.S Andrews sounds like the name of some old fart well beyond their usefulness. Sitting on their porch lonely every day and come up with hateful stories to pass the time.
Donald Stump
October 8, 2018 at 6:00 pm
He’s like a Democrat. That’s what they do.
jon
September 28, 2018 at 6:48 pm
ding ding ding. high 5
Michele
September 28, 2018 at 10:18 pm
Yes!!!
Richard Reinhardt
September 27, 2018 at 10:06 am
Save Biffs
Steve green
September 27, 2018 at 10:52 am
What a joke!!You call yourself a journalist.You have not reported the truth about Biffs you merely are debasing the new owners without the facts.This is merely an attempt to extort more money from the owners.This is a friviolous lawsuit and you helped their cause.Their has never been a payment missed periodThe 600 k you mentioned was the original amount and half of that is owed now.The father and son have tryed to sabotage the owners countless times and have done a good job at hurting the business for the ownersAnything that was changed frankly never worked The ownerslove biffburger and want to preserve it for generstions to come When they bought the property they put countless dollars in the property because of the neglect of the Mussers.Every whereyou looked replacement was needed So this is just another attempt by the Mussers to try to steal back a property
the judge
September 27, 2018 at 11:42 am
they agreed to buy it right??? so pay up! and calm your ass and let them do what they are going to do.
Nasty Savage
September 27, 2018 at 12:46 pm
Calm your tits! The reporter gave them a chance to tell their side and they declined. She’s simply doing her job. You must be friends with the current owners. Why don’t you tell us their side?
Miguel
September 27, 2018 at 1:00 pm
Steve, I can assure you, as a PREVIOUS EMPLOYEE, the rumors are true. You know nothing. The vendors will not vend to them. My friends have lost their jobs. Multiple health code violations. Lost their liquor license. Customers won’t come back and wait 45 minutes for a single biff burger. Dare I continue? The truth hurts. I borderline want to be a character witness for George. What goes around comes around. Sorry not sorry.
Bad burger
September 27, 2018 at 8:03 pm
Bunch of white trash scumbags .close the place down shady criminals get rid of it.
Mike
September 27, 2018 at 8:37 pm
Rascist
Kelly
October 3, 2018 at 4:13 pm
I worked at Biff many years ago when the Musser’s owned it. I worked breakfast and it was so filthy and needed repairs badly. They had such a rat problem that the bread was always tunneled out. One morning George yelled at me because I threw the butter out because it had footprints and rat turds in it
joe king
September 27, 2018 at 12:41 pm
Place is a dump. Has been for a decade. Car night has turned into a joke with nothing but a bunch of old crotchety yankees. The Brooklyn dirtbags can keep it.
Rich
September 27, 2018 at 1:34 pm
I’m always suspicious of an article when the authors byline is longer than the story. When did journalism become more about self-promotion?
Mike
September 27, 2018 at 8:35 pm
I know. Right
Jerry Counts
September 27, 2018 at 1:39 pm
My band played there dozens of times for George and his Son. Biffs was in great condition at that time and was well kept. Since then, so many of the people that used to come to bike night and the car shows and to see my band have told me how the new owners treat their customers and my friends and none of that news was good about the new owners. All I know is that was a turn key joint. All you had to do was go do what they had been doing for 30 years and treat people nice, like Biffs had been doing for decades, and then pay your bills and count your cash. But treat your customers like trash, and you get what you got now. No customers and the old owners wanting their money or their business back in what ever shape it’s in. If you didn’t or can’t pay your mortgage and have damaged your own business, and now look for sympathy from the same people you’ve treated badly, well, I’d say, “good luck with that”. Give Biffs back and take yourselves back from where ever the hell you came from.
Chris Wanek
September 27, 2018 at 2:06 pm
Save Biff
BiffsIsTrash
September 27, 2018 at 2:43 pm
Fuck this place! This place is a complete trash hole. Does anyone really care? I mean really care? “Oh, but its been around for so long” So has the herpes virus that they have crawling on their walls, but i’ll be ok without it. Bulldoze this trash heap and put something else there. Im sure all the white trash will find a different parking lot to hang out in.
Jerry
September 27, 2018 at 7:25 pm
white trash has done more at Biffs to raise money for kids than you had ever thought ,what other place has raised more then 85thousand dollars a year from white trash for kids,you must live in the neighborhood and don’t like people who celebrate freedom,and yes i said 85thousand dollars as in dollars, howmuch have you given. AND THAT WAS JUST FROM THE WHITE TRASH (bikers).
The Yeti
September 27, 2018 at 4:18 pm
This place needs to be saved!
Its been an iconic hangout for the car and bike culture for decades, and there are tons of charity event car and bike shows, yearly!
It gives people a reason to fix up their old classics, and to meet up with old friends and make new ones.
Don’t let another historic place disappear from our community and culture!
Lisa D
September 27, 2018 at 5:58 pm
The new owners ruined it. Was there every sat bike nite and steel there twice a week before. NOw don’t even stop a foot on property
Bill Purdy
September 27, 2018 at 8:48 pm
We have noticed changes in the food and service, not in a good way. As Canadians we will sure miss the car show and the food from before it was taken over with the new owners. Too bad a good thing was ruined.B
John Dallo.
September 27, 2018 at 9:39 pm
Come to Pinetop Az. Tomorrow starts the Run To the Pines all old vintage cars that come from all over and the country side is lush localed in the White Mountains about 6000 ft. up. Look us up you will like it.
Dixie Normuss
September 27, 2018 at 9:46 pm
Maybe if they didnt give off such a “Whites Only” vibe business might’ve been boomin enough to stay open. Too bad so sad, anywho you can catch me at George’s Grill or Smiley’s supporting businesses (minority owned btw) that make me feel welcome.
Diane Elliott
September 27, 2018 at 10:32 pm
I went to Biff’s every Saturday and Wednesday for years. Once the new owners bought it, the food quality and quantity went down and the prices went up. The new owner treated people like a commodity and they stopped the annual Biff’s Kids event that had raised almost $100,000 the previous year and hundreds of toys for Pinellas County kids. They bought the restaurant AND the community that went with it and let it go to hell.
Angela
September 28, 2018 at 1:15 am
Omg, I basically grew up there. Whenever I was looking for my dad, that is where he was.
MUST SAVE BIFF BURGER!!
Rich Simon
September 28, 2018 at 7:56 pm
Rich Simon hello lala Angela Skinner
Bill R.
September 28, 2018 at 7:59 am
Back in the 60’s I used to stop there on my way home from Lealman Junior High when I had the money to buy a shake. My kids all spent time there in their baby carriers perched in the middle of the table while we swung the table lamps to keep them quiet. Stopped in there a few months ago and it seemed a bit rundown and barely any customers. The tater tots were as good as ever so I was happy! I hope it cleans up and continues on!
Larry D
September 28, 2018 at 9:18 am
I worked there while in college. I feel bad for new owners because they were sold a property in total disrepair. I always thought Troy was on drugs and he always hired drunks and drug addicts. He let people drink on their shift and I think smoke pot. I heard he retired to the islands funny I guess when you steal funds you can retire anywhere
Any g
September 28, 2018 at 9:55 am
I worked at biff burger under Troy Musser. I didn’t last long as it made me sick that he always had his hands on the waitresses and woman customers. I also heard that the bookkeeper was always saying the money accounts were always short
Cynthia
September 28, 2018 at 10:25 am
It is very sad to me that just because someone reads a post on social media they believe every word. in today’s world you can ruin a person’s life or business just by posting lies and everyone jumps on the bandwagon. I know the new owners and they are very nice people going through a hard time
Greg
September 28, 2018 at 3:05 pm
When will Biff burger go up for auction? Let owners of places here in st Pete save iconic places and make them right for the city and the community.
Linda
September 29, 2018 at 9:26 am
I grew up going to BiffBurger, also a Lealman jr high Alumnus. Live out of town now but always make a point of going to Biff when home visiting. Loved the old car or bike vibes.
undisclosed
September 29, 2018 at 4:02 pm
Why lie just Burn It Down and start over and collect the insurance money
Denis J Quilligan Jr
October 1, 2018 at 2:34 am
For years I never missed a Wednesday or Saturday Bike Night at Biff Burgers. I was born and raised in St. Petersburg and loved their shakes and pulled pork sandwiches. Eventually I became old enough to ride a Harley and made Biff Burgers my Wednesday and Saturday home. On Thursday nights I ran my own bike night at Kahunas Bar and Grille across from the dog track on Gandy Blvd. I was a monthly column writer with “Full Throttle Magazine”. My monthly contribution to the magazine was titled “Stuff, stuff and more stuff” by Capt. Denis.
I bought a home in Tennessee and retired there. After a couple of years I met a Jersey Shore gal, married her and I am now living there with my wife Dawn. I have ventured into the music business as a record label owner and music producer. I also have my own blues band “Asbury Slim Band”. Checkout the website.
http://www.jerseyshorerecords.bandcamp.com
I am producing a couple of awesome young country music artists.
My wife and I flew down to visit my sister and brother in law a month or so ago. We stopped by on a Wednesday for the Bike Night and some food. It took forever to get our food from a limited menu. Worst of all the ice cream machine was shut down. There was nobody at the window where I used to get my ice cream from either.
The place was dead also. A real bummer.
I did not know anyone from the old days except Jim the Leather Vendor. He used to be the vendor at my Kahunas Bike Night. A really nice guy. It was great to see him and to introduce my wife to him as well. I was sorry to hear that Jim and Cindy had split up for good.
If Biff Burgers closes for good St. Petersburg will lose a great place.
David Chase
October 4, 2018 at 7:00 pm
I hear that there are new partners with full control making some really much needed changes. Been the same since the Mussers sold it, going down hill the whole time. But recently I have heard that some new owners are breathing life into the place and the last couple bike nights and car shows were great. One of my friends said they were there Wednesday and had a good time, with cheap drinks and good music. Said the food still needed some work, but was better than it usually is. Kudos to the new owners trying to correct the mistakes made the last couple years.
Aaron
October 4, 2018 at 7:10 pm
The problem isn’t Biff Burger as much as it is their owners. The old owners need to go, period. If in fact there are new owners, they need to focus on damage control from the last few years. With new owners, there are bound to be changes, and hopefully they have the insight to correct the things that have been so poorly managed. All I can say is there is a huge cross to bare for the new owners, and good luck
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