TURNERS FALLS — Black Cow Burger Bar will soon close for good, with the owner citing inflation and lingering effects of the COVID-19 pandemic as the main reasons.

Pamela Tierney took to Facebook over the weekend to announce her decision and solicit any interest in buying the business from her. She told the Recorder she can no longer operate the restaurant she opened at 127 Avenue A about 12 years ago.

“It’s been a struggle since Covid, you know? Staffing, the costs of everything — electricity, payroll, food, everything,” she said sitting at the bar around noon on Tuesday. “The struggle has made me tired. I’m just ready.”

Tierney said she employs six people, about half the number she had prior to the pandemic. She said staff members and customers will have the opportunity to say goodbye to one another when the eatery is open from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Thursday and Friday. The menu will be limited to cocktails, beer, wine, soft drinks and some appetizers.

Many customers have commented on Tierney’s recent Facebook posts to express sadness over the news and Tierney said she can’t bring herself to read most of them because they tug at her heartstrings.

“I cry. I get upset,” she said. “But it’s wonderful. It’s wonderful. We have a lot of good customers, a lot of loyal following. Everybody in the community’s been wonderful. It’s pretty amazing.”

Tierney said she plans to take the summer to figure out what is next for her. She leases the space and has been trying to sell the business for a few years. If it does not sell, she will liquidate the restaurant’s assets, she said. 

Reach Domenic Poli at: dpoli@recorder.com or 413-930-4120.