Kansas City, MO — For nearly 70 years, Hayes Hamburgers at Antioch and Vivion Rd has been a blast of Kansas City past, serving up crisp burgers and nostalgia in equal measure, right down to it's refusal to get with the times and accept Plastic, operating as a cash-only business. Opened in 1955, this classic diner was once a beacon for late-night cravings, its neon sign glowing 24/7 over bustling counters and sizzling grills.
But the era of round-the-clock service is now a fond memory, as the beloved eatery struggles to stay afloat amidst staffing shortages and an uncertain future. Like many small businesses, Hayes was hit hard by the pandemic. Once renowned for its reliability, the diner’s hours have become erratic. With only three employees on staff, day shifts are a scramble, and the once-vital overnight hours have been abandoned altogether. Despite this it is still a bargain, their sliders are only $2.10.
Regulars are often greeted by locked doors and handwritten signs announcing temporary closures, sometimes stretching for days. They were closed for a week last spring and for a week last fall allegedly for maintenance. It has been forced to reduce hours 6am to 4pm Monday thru Friday, and 7am to 4pm Saturdays. They are not currently open on Sundays or nights. They hope that will change with additional staffing,
An Aging Legacy
Part of Hayes’ charm has always been its old-school vibe—a no-frills diner where the focus is on great food and friendly service. But the challenges of running a small, labor-intensive operation are taking their toll. The owner, now 81 years old, can no longer take a hands-on approach to running the business. He reportedly intends to keep the restaurant until he dies but his step-children, who have tried to support him from the sidelines, have reportedly considered a buyer in the last year to keep the family legacy alive.
“This place has been a second home for so many people,” says longtime customer Tim Wilson, who has been dining at Hayes since the 1970s. “It’s heartbreaking to see it like this. We don’t want to lose it.”
A Struggle to Staff the Grill
The labor shortage has hit Hayes particularly hard. As a small business, it can’t compete with the wages and benefits offered by larger chains. Finding night-shift workers, a cornerstone of the diner’s once-iconic 24-hour schedule, has proven nearly impossible.
“It’s not that we don’t want to stay open,” says one employee, “There’s just no one to work. The owner is doing what he can, but it’s not enough.”
Despite the challenges, Hayes still holds a special place in the hearts of many Kansas Citians. Its burgers, cooked to perfection on a well-seasoned grill, have stood the test of time. The diner’s walls, lined with vintage photos and memorabilia, tell the story of a neighborhood institution that has weathered decades of change.
For now, the future of Hayes Hamburgers is uncertain. Whether it will find a buyer to carry on its legacy or be forced to close its doors for good remains to be seen. In the meantime, the community can show its support by stopping in during the diner’s sporadic open hours and sharing memories of this beloved local gem.
As this lil rock puts it, Hayes isn’t just a burger joint—it’s a piece of Kansas City history. We’ve got to do what we can to keep it alive.
The manager of Hayes, Aaron Sprink responded to this article and we include his heartfelt message.
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