The King has been abdicated.

The Comox Valley鈥檚 only Burger King franchise is closed 鈥減ermanently,鈥� according to a note posted on the fast-food restaurant鈥檚 door on April 2.

On April 4, a signage company was on site dismantling Burger King鈥檚 signage.

As well, the restaurant鈥檚 windows were covered with newspaper and milk crates and yellow do-not-cross tape were placed in the drive-thru.

While management did not cite any specific reason for the closure, a routine inspection by the health authority on March 23 found one critical violation. The violation referred to inadequate hot-holding temperatures of potentially hazardous foods.

鈥淔ew of the inserts on the hot holding machine measuring at 50-55掳C. Hot held foods must be above 60掳C,鈥� reads the inspection. 鈥淢onitor machine to ensure the hot holding unit is able to hold temperature above 60掳C. Food in these inserts was discarded by staff.鈥�

A follow-up inspection on March 27 determined two additional non-critical violations, including a mould-like substance noted on the ceiling in the seating area and inside the kitchen.

鈥淢ould must be removed, cleaned and sanitized whenever present,鈥� reads the inspection. 鈥淰ents also appear to be dirty and full of debris. These must be cleaned on a regular basis to avoid air quality issues in the facility.鈥�

The other violation referred cited referred to a 鈥渟moky environment鈥� inside the establishment.

鈥淪taff mentioned there has been a previous malfunction with kitchen vents causing this. Ensure all vents are working properly and efficiently to avoid smoke and grease build-up,鈥� reads the inspection.

The restaurant was given a 鈥渕oderate鈥� hazard rating, which does not result in a restaurant being closed.

Calls to the restaurant and its management on Monday and Wednesday were unanswered.

The Burger King is located in the Driftwood Mall shopping plaza, in Courtenay.