Organic Burger Concept Taking Mid-Atlantic Region by Storm
September 18, 2008 // Franchising.com // Arlington, VA -- Elevation Burger, the rapidly expanding Virginia-based organic burger concept, recently closed a deal with Alex Smith to bring three units to Baltimore. Smith plans to open his first location by the end of November in the Harbor East hot spot, an extension of Baltimore's Inner Harbor. Smith's deal contributes to the fast approaching openings of 24 Elevation Burger restaurants across the Mid-Atlantic Region, including New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Northern Virginia, Washington, D.C. and Maryland, where Elevation was hand-picked to be the only burger concept featured in the luxurious and exclusive National Harbor neighborhood near Washington, DC.
In addition to the Harbor East location, Smith hopes to find desirable real estate in the Towson, Pikesville or Owings Mills areas of Baltimore. Smith currently owns and operates a Haagen Dazs store in the Harbor East neighborhood and hopes to bring a green, LEED certified gourmet pizza restaurant and smoothie concept to the area as well.
"Elevation Burger offers a better product than any other burger concept I've seen at a lower price, and will be one of first LEED certified restaurants in Baltimore - saving energy, giving consumers what they want and helping the environment at the same time. It's an excellent concept and will fit perfectly in Harbor East," says Smith.
Smith is the grandson of John Paterakis, Sr., President of one of the largest privately owned bakeries in the United States, H & S Bakery, and entered the restaurant business to follow in his grandfather's entrepreneurial footsteps. "He and I are very close," says Smith. "I visit his office to pick his brain two or three times a week. The best advice he ever gave me is to be there all the time and start from the ground up. I will be flipping burgers and doing all aspects of the job so I can better train managers and eventually go off and work on something else. It's important to understand and learn the business from the ground level."
Elevation Burger prides itself on "elevating" guest experience, products and employees while offering a sophisticated and flavorful menu bursting with heart-friendly ingredients. Elevation Burger cooks their fresh french fries in olive oil, offers two kinds of veggie burgers and uses only 100 percent organic, grass fed, free range meat.
Elevation Burger has had an explosive amount of support from local patrons in the Washington, D.C. metro area since it first opened in 2005. The concept has received recognition in prestigious publications such as Washingtonian magazine and The Washington Post as "best shake" and "best burger" nominees.
Elevation Burger is a rapidly growing, fast casual concept serving 100% organic beef burgers and fresh-cut french fries cooked in heart-healthy olive oil. Founded by husband and wife entrepreneurs Hans and April Hess in 2002, the chain prides itself on "elevated" guest experience and an organic fresh approach that puts people and product ahead of profit. The first location opened in 2005, offering Northern Virginia a sophisticated and flavorful menu bursting with heart-friendly ingredients. Hans and April's belief that "Ingredients Matter" has brought the restaurant rapid success and popularity. Driven by their passion for delicious food that's organic, sustainable and fresh, Elevation Burger began franchising in 2008. Restaurants are 1,500-2,000 square feet and seat 25 to 90 guests with outdoor seating.
For more information or if you are interested in franchising please visit www.elevationburger.com or contact Alexandra Doyle at 703-837-5168 or alexandrad@fransmart.com
Elevation Burger was originally conceived in 2002 by founder Hans Hess, who set out to create a healthier burger with a great taste on par with those he was accustomed to having on the West Coast.