Fans have taken to social media to mourn the loss of the ‘legend’, with many recounting stories of buying $1 burgers throughout their youth.
Wrote one: ‘Betty is Noosa's biggest legend in my opinion... Responsible for me being able to afford great beach days out as a teenager in the 90s.’
Said another: ‘She knew every local child by first name and called the visitors darling, loved by all sadly missed by many, love you Betty.’
Added a third: ‘Sad news. Loved visiting Betty in the arcade window and ordering a burger. Childhood memories. She was a Noosa icon.’
Betty says the thinking behind her $1 burgers - which have now gone on to be the star of one of the most popular new franchises in Australia - was that she wanted ‘poor people’ to be able to eat good food.
Speaking of her burger formula the Daily in 2010: ‘An ordinary mince meat patty with lettuce, tomato, beetroot, coleslaw and optional fried onions, salt and pepper on a sesame seed bun.
‘I never used to put anything in my meat patty because the kids would always complain about salt and pepper and such so I kept it plain.
‘But then they used to whinge about the salad anyway. They never wanted any of what they called rabbit food.’
Said another fan: ‘Bless you, Betty - I remember you well. Betty was a genuine Noosa icon. Thank you for the memories, Betty. You worked hard. You always had a smile. You were loved by many.’
Another added: ‘All the young ones she fed through the years that had no money.. she was a legend.’
RIP, Betty.
