With an investment of more than $ 1 million, the BurgerFi burger restaurant chain has opened in Plaza Caparra, Guaynabo, Puerto Rico’s second-largest location, and plans to expand to the island by opening other restaurants outside the metropolitan area throughout 2021, until 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 restaurant franchise. The businessman, who has 30 years of experience in the local food industry, assured Spokesman which are in negotiations for the establishment of other stores outside the metropolitan area this year. Its projection is to open six BurgerFi in the next two years.
“We have some spaces displayed outside the metropolitan area that we intend to open this year and others that are still under development and could be opened in 2022. My commitment is to continue to contribute to the local economy with both jobs direct as well as indirect, helping other 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 Spokesman that the reception of Puerto Ricans for the new offer exceeded their expectations.
“Our first BurgerFi opened in Guaynabo exactly one year ago and, even with the pandemic, we had an excellent reception and we are a favorite of customers in the area. We have become one of the top ten best-selling restaurant chains nationwide. Now we are very excited to be able to open a second restaurant, ”said Faigenblat, acknowledging that it has created 100 jobs between the two restaurants.
BurgerFi’s second location is in the Starbucks building in Plaza Caparra. It has an area of 1,800 square meters, which includes two large outdoor terraces 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 have a ‘fast casual’ concept with high quality fresh and healthy food. There are currently no competitors in this segment. We are the leaders of the “fast casual” market on the island. We invest over one million dollars in every store that opens “, Faigenblat underlined.
The chain also offers vegetarian and chicken options without hormones or preservatives, Wagyu hot dogs, french fries and onion rings prepared daily at the restaurant, as well as milkshakes made with traditional cream (a type of cream) and a wide variety of craft beers. .and spirits.
“The concept was very well received, because the local public likes healthy food in an ideal environment to share with the family. The trend is “outdoor dining”, and our restaurants are ready for that. The stores in Puerto Rico include that space, which the ones built in the United States do not have, ”said the owner.
In turn, BurgerFi CEO Julio Ramirez stressed Spokesman that – at the moment – the chain is the fastest growing on the market and that Puerto Rico is a key player in this process. Since December last year, BurgerFi has become a public company whose shares (BFI) are listed on the Nasdaq market, which has led to the development of the chain nationally and internationally.
“Our restaurants in Puerto Rico go beyond the overall image and concept of the company. Sales here are higher than other restaurants in America. Puerto Rico has the capacity to become the leader of BurgerFi and we are full of hope for the future expansion of the chain on the island. We know that the reception will be equal or better than the one received so far “, said Ramírez.
Faigenblat explained that the interior of the restaurants is environmentally friendly because it has several durable elements, such as the walls with southern pine wood panels number 2 – the most renewable -, tables made with over 700,000 jugs recycled with milk and industrial style chairs made with 111 bottles of recycled Coca Cola.