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BRISTOL, Tenn. — The Blue Circle, an iconic Bristol restaurant, has closed its doors after receiving an “unrealistic” bill, its owner said Thursday.

The restaurant, located in a landmark blue and white building on Bluff City Highway, announced Thursday that it was closed for business.

“An unrealistic and unjustified utility bill from an unnamed local company made the decision quite easy,” the Blue Circle stated on its Facebook page.

Michael Hunt, the owner, began operating the restaurant two years ago, he said during a telephone interview Thursday.

“I grew up with the Blue Circle,” Hunt said.

The Blue Circle has been serving the original Blue Circle Burger — which featured a burger, bun, pickle, mustard and onion — since 1931, according to its website.

Hunt, a Bristol resident, said he remembers visiting the restaurant over the years. When he decided to purchase the restaurant a couple years ago, he had never been involved with the restaurant business, he said.

“It’s been all right,” Hunt said regarding business at the Blue Circle.