Bundy’s Burgers and Ice Cream was permanently closed on Oct. 15 after seven years in business due to rising operational expenses.

Owner Ray Eckler made the decision to close the restaurant, located at 1005 S. Sturgeon in Montgomery City. Eckler bought the business from Michael Auchly in July 2025.

“The continued increase in cost of operation was the deciding factor to close it,” Eckler said.

The restaurant that is known for its Bundy Burger, ice cream, fish sandwiches, chicken strips and hot dogs was operated under two owners during its seven-year run. The building is currently up for sale.

Bundy’s first opened for business on Dec. 18, 2019, Auchly, a longtime Montgomery City resident, graduated with a business administration degree from Central Methodist University and worked in the manufacturing business for 20 years before deciding to open the restaurant. He named it Bundy’s after the nickname he received over 40 years ago.

The restaurant closed its dining room for a short time during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020. Picnic seating was added outside in the back of the restaurant.

Auchly retired from the restaurant business on July 1, handing over ownership duties to Eckler, an Audrain County resident who also runs the Cafe at the Montgomery County Livestock Auction Barn. Eckler was involved in the restaurant industry for many years.

Under the new ownership, Bundy’s added new items such as stuffed chicken nuggets, Bison burger, broccoli cheese bites and an orange twist shake. It sold combo meals that included a small order of fries and a medium drink.

Bundy’s also had a breakfast menu that included bacon, sausage, pancakes and biscuits and gravy. The restaurant stopped serving breakfast in June.