The News Herald (Willoughby, OH)
Burgerim opens its doors
New eatery offering discounts to safety forces
Renovate it and they will come — especially if there’s a sale.
That’s how it went down when Burgerim of Mentor held a soft opening on Dec. 2. The new business at 7597 Mentor Ave. offered 50 percent off that day, from about noon to 5:30 p.m.
“We just unlocked the door and people started coming,” said Maulik Gajjar, noting that he and business partner VIpul Patel didn’t advertise the event.
The official opening was Dec. 3 and a grand opening is planned in the near future.
“I want my staff to be comfortable for the grand opening,” Gajjar said.
The two spent the last several months renovating the space. The Mentor residents have 25 years of restaurant experience between them and a family history in the industry. This is their first solo venture.
“We’re planning on expanding from Mentor,” Patel said.
Gajjar categorized the eatery as “fast casual” as opposed to fast food.
“All burgers are made to order so it’s not like we keep it in a warmer,” he said.
There are 11 patty options, including Wagyu and dry-aged beef, turkey, a beef-lamb mixture, chicken, salmon, merguez (a sausage), veggie, Spanish beef and falafel, in addition to traditional beef. Gluten-free options are available as well.
According to the chain’s website, customers can choose from an uno, duo, trio or party box of 3-ounce gourmet burgers and build from there.
Other menu items include shakes and soft drinks, beer, wine and liquor, lettuce wraps,
chicken wings and fries akin to chips with special seasoning. Sweet potato fries are also available.
The bar portion is yet to open, but is anticipated to be before the holidays, Patel said.
“We have the (liquor) permit, but we need to get the certificate,” he said.
Burgerim, which means “many burgers” in Hebrew, first opened in 2011 in Israel. Since then, more than 160 locations have opened across the globe.
The Mentor Burgerim is among the first of the chain’s franchises in Ohio. The store will employ up to 25 people.
Area police officers and firefighters will be eligible for discounts.
“They just have to be in uniform,” Patel said.