Award-winning Queensland burger-shack, Betty’s Burgers & Concrete Co., has opened its fourth venue at 97 Elizabeth Street, Melbourne.
Initially inspired by owner, David Hales’ grandmother, Betty Anderson, the flagship store was built on bustling Hastings Street in Noosa, with a second established quickly after in Surfers Paradise and a third on 2 November, at The Kitchens in Robina.
The Melbourne addition will be Betty’s first foray out of Queensland and will serve its signature range of top quality burgers such as the Betty’s Classic and the more health-conscious Bare Betty, as well as their house-made frozen custard ice-creams, Concretes, with indulgent mix-ins such as chocolate-chip cookie dough and Persian fairy-floss.
Thickshakes are genuinely dense and come in six flavours, including caramel, strawberry and a heavenly chocolate-peanut-butter flavour, which is filled with delightful chunks of the decadent spread.
The Betty’s Burgers brand was brought to life by hospitality guru David Hales, who envisioned a product and service so consistent and tasty that every guest could be turned into a regular guest.
Alongside his highly experienced team, consisting of Nik Rollison – who partnered with David Chang for the launch of the now Three Hat rated, Momofuku Seiōbo – and Joël Robuchontrained chef Michael Tripp, Hales has translated this vision into a resounding truth and looks forward to introducing it to the people of Victoria.
“We’re thrilled to be heading to Melbourne, which is undoubtedly the burger capital of Australia, if not the world. We’re passionate about what we do and committed to getting every single element right and we hope that is evident to the burger fans of the south,” says Hales.
Betty’s Burgers beef patties are hand made using the finest local grain fed cattle, which is selected because of its consistent marbling. Patties are intentionally pressed on the grill to create a thick crust and lock in their natural juices.
“I can’t count the times we’ve considered how delicately the bun should be toasted, or debated the exact amount of times the beef should pass through the mincer,” adds Hales, for whom attention to detail is paramount.
Briefed to ‘bring the beach to the city’, Paul Kelly Design has installed handmade floor tiles, custom imported Italian wall tiles, hand-painted shingles, and of course, a one of a kind custard machine. With a pastel-coloured design aesthetic that pays homage to the 1950’s, the restaurant is bound to stand out in the bustling CBD.
Betty’s Burgers is well on its way to becoming a nation-wide sensation with plans in place for five more Australian stores, with one in Darling Harbour, two in Brisbane, and one each for Pacific Fair on the Gold Coast and Toowoomba.
Betty’s Burgers is open from 10am til late, seven days a week.