With an investment of more than a million dollars, burger restaurant chain BurgerFi opened its doors in Plaza Caparra, Guaynabo, the second location in Puerto Rico, and plans to expand further on the island with the opening of other restaurants outside the metropolitan area. area throughout the year 2021., reaching six locations in the next two years.
BurgerFi arrived in Puerto Rico last year from businessman Phillip Faigenblat, who also owns the local Denny’s restaurant franchise. The businessman, who has 30 years of experience in the local food industry, secured his insurance THE SPOKESMAN who are negotiating to establish other stores outside the conurbation this year. His projection is to open six BurgerFi in the next two years.
“We’ve shown some spaces outside of the metropolitan area that we plan to open this year and others that are still under development and could open in 2022. My commitment is to continue to contribute to the local economy with both direct and indirect jobs, and others. industries… and businesses… Puerto Ricans, ”said Faigenblat.
In March 2020, the first restaurant was opened – also in Guaynabo – and although the opening coincided with the pandemic, the businessman assured THE SPOKESMAN that Puerto Ricans’ reception on the new offering exceeded their expectations.
“Our first BurgerFi opened exactly a year ago in Guaynabo and despite the challenge of the pandemic, we have had an excellent reception and are a favorite with customers in the area. We’ve grown into one of the top ten bestselling restaurant chains across the country. Now we are very excited to be opening the second restaurant, ”said Faigenblat, who acknowledges that we have created 100 jobs between the two restaurants.
BurgerFi’s second location is in the building that housed Starbucks on Plaza Caparra. This has an area of 1,800 square feet with two large outdoor decks and a full bar with a capacity of 70 people. The chain is distinguished by its concept of “fast casual” and its burgers made with certified Angus meat and Wagyu meat without hormones or antibiotics.
“We are the first in Puerto Rico to introduce a ‘fast casual’ concept with high quality, fresh and healthy food. At the moment there are no competitors in this segment. We are the leaders in the island’s fast casual market. We invest more than a million dollars in every store that opens, ”Faigenblat emphasizes.
The chain also offers vegetarian and chicken options without hormones or preservatives, Wagyu hot dogs, chips and onion rings prepared daily in the restaurant, as well as milkshakes made with their traditional custard (a type of cream) and a wide variety of craft beers. and liquor.
“The concept has been very well received as the local public loves healthy food in an ideal environment to share with the family. The trend is ‘outdoor dining’ and our restaurants are prepared for that. The stores in Puerto Rico include that space, which the stores being built in the United States don’t have, ”the owner said.
Julio Ramírez, BurgerFi’s chief executive officer, for his part, pointed it out THE SPOKESMAN that – at the moment – the chain is the fastest growing on the market and that Puerto Rico plays a key role in the process. Since December last year, BurgerFi has become a limited liability company whose shares (BFI) are listed on the Nasdaq market, which has stimulated the development of the chain nationally and internationally.
“Our restaurants in Puerto Rico go beyond the corporate image and overall concept. Sales here are higher than in other restaurants in America. Puerto Rico has the capacity to become the leader of BurgerFi and we are hopeful for the future expansion of the chain on the island. We know that the reception will be equal to or better than received so far, ”said Ramírez.
Faigenblat explained that the restaurants’ interiors are eco-friendly, as it has several sustainable elements, such as wood-paneled walls made from number 2 southern pine – the most renewable -, tables made with more than 700,000 recycled milk jugs, and industrial-style chairs made from 111 recycled Coca Cola bottles.