One of the co-founders of Burger Up apparently vandalized the front windows of the 12South restaurant before entering and killing himself.
Michael Pontes was found dead of a self-inflicted gunshot wound early Saturday morning, police confirmed. In the middle of a divorce from co-founder Miranda Whitcomb Pontes, Michael Pontes allegedly used pink spray paint to insult his spouse before going inside. Police responded just after 4 a.m.
The Burger Up location in 12South opened in May, 2010, to excellent reviews [1] and began showing up in national press soon after. A second location was opened in Cool Springs in Fall of 2011.
Ms. Pontes was not available for comment and both restaurants were closed on Saturday.
A statement on the restaurant's Twitter account noted: "The world lost a beautiful soul early this morning. @BurgerUP will reopen someday. Until then, with love."
Links:
[1] http:// http://www.nashvillescene.com/nashville/burger-up-12souths-new-burger-joint-piles-the-best-elements-of-local-flavor-onto-a-baked-fresh-daily-bun-new-farmers-markets-from-charlo/Content?oid=1597687