durhamregion.com This Week | Thursday, March 3, 2022 | 14 durham.ca/BuyItEatIt Wasted food costs the average household more than $1,100 per year. Buy it. Eat it. Don't waste it. If you require this information in an accessible format, please contact 1-800-667-5671. Space provided through partnership between industry and Ontario municipalities to support waste diversion programs. Durham said goodbye to several popular restaurants this winter, including an Ajax burger institution and a family restaurant with decades of history in north Oshawa. Fans of these three eateries say they're gone -- but not forgotten. Texas Burger After 52 years in Ajax, Texas Burger closed its doors on Feb. 20. Fans describe the burger joint as an "Ajax institution." While burgers were a big draw, the menu also included souvlaki, wings and all-day breakfast. "We delivered great food to great people for over 52 years. With increased food costs, labour shortages for a variety of reasons and COVID changing how people eat, our business has suffered," said owner Andrew Lang in a message on Facebook. "The pandemic dealt a series of heavy blows and now our ownership has to end." One customer noted on social media that Texas Burger has been "a staple for me in Ajax my entire life," while another said three generations of their family have eaten at the restaurant. Lang opened a Texas Burger location in Lindsay last summer and says he will now turn his attention to that business. Traditions Family Restaurant Located at Simcoe Street North and Beatrice Street for more than 30 years, Traditions Family Restaurant closed in January. This eatery was best known for affordable, homemade comfort food like rotisserie chicken, ribs, soups and pies. The rotisserie chicken family meal was especially popular with many longtime customers. "That chicken family deal is amazing, better than Swiss Chalet," one fan said in response to news of the closing on social media. Buster Rhino's This popular barbecue spot closed for good in December after a 16-year run. Owner Darryl Koster said it was simply time to move on to new adventures. Buster Rhino's opened in 2005, inspired by Koster's relatives in South Carolina, who hold many titles from the competitive barbecue circuit. Over the years there were several Buster Rhino's locations in Durham and Koster developed his own line of products, including sauces, spices and rubs. Fans called the closure "heart-breaking" and said Koster played a major role in Durham's craft beer scene and restaurant community. THREE LONGTIME RESTAURANTS THAT CLOSED FOR GOOD JILLIAN FOLLERT jfoller t@durhamregion.com NEWS Texas Burger Ajax closed its doors in February 2022 after more than 50 years serving the community. Texas Burger photo Dave Thompson Ward 4 Taxpayer & Veteran Ukraine I support your Fight for Freedom and Democracy.