Matthew Singer: Did a Rave Review Really Shut Down Portland Burger Bar Stanich’s? Maybe It Was the Owner’s Legal Troubles. (Willamette Week)
For almost a year, the sudden and unexplained closure of one of Portland's favorite burger joints has baffled the city's food scene.
Last week, a freelance food writer claimed responsibility—saying he had "killed" Stanich's on Northeast Fremont Street by naming its cheeseburger the best in America on the website Thrillist.
The confession went viral. But it wasn't the full story.
In fact, court records show that owner Steve Stanich's personal life had been spiraling into chaos long before his restaurant landed on the national radar.