Mr. Bartley’s Burger Cottage Is for Sale | Eater Boston

"In Harvard Square I learned that this legendary burger joint, opened in 1960 when Joan and Joe Bartley transformed the Harvard Spa convenience store into a burger restaurant that also sold paper goods, is now for sale for $475,000. Owner Bill Bartley, 60, told Eater the decision to sell wasn’t precipitated by the coronavirus pandemic but by his desire to leave the restaurant business before he turns 70—he’s worked in the business for 46 years, doesn’t love the business side, and describes himself as a great line cook and a carnival barker who wants his last day to be cooking on the line. He says he won’t sell to anyone unwilling to continue operating the restaurant as Mr. Bartley’s because his staff is “super important” and he hopes to find a buyer who can ensure job security for his younger employees; over the years the menu grew to more than a dozen decadent burgers, and Bartley calls it “such an iconic space” and expects a buyer to appear quickly." - Terrence Doyle