BurgerFi - Ultimate Cheeseburger

I heard about BurgerFi from urbanspoon.com, and as I looked up their website I was very impressed and wanted to give them a try. In the “About Us” section of their website it says, “BurgerFi picks up where the other "better burger" franchises leave off. First, BurgerFi focuses on all-natural, grass-fed beef. We do this because it tastes better, and it's better for you- with no chemicals, and no additives. Also, where others limit their menu to just the basic, no-frills options, BurgerFi has built a menu with specialty items like Kobe beef hot dogs, gourmet toppings, delectable desserts, craft beer & wine, and an overall focus on a healthier menu selection”. As I read more I found that they recycle as much as possible and stay as “Green” as they can.

Now I was just hoping that their Burgers would taste as good as they sounded! I recently visited the Winter Park location (which is located on Park Ave. right across from Rollins College) and this is what I discovered.

The ATMOSPHERE… First off, I don’t really care for the signage. The Green “BURGER” doesn’t stand out enough from the background, and the White “FI” is too hard to read. The overall look of the place inside is modern and there is plenty of seating both indoors and out.

The SERVICE… Order at the counter and you are given a buzzer. (which as explained to us had a device in it so that it wouldn’t buzz, but the runners would know where we were sitting and they would bring our food right out) Then as we got our drinks from one of those fancy new Coke machines I noticed that the tables near the drink area were really crowded and it was almost impossible to “make a path” to get a beverage or condiments, however our food was delivered quickly.

The FOOD… Not unlike Five Guys or Boardwalk Fresh Burgers and Fries, they offer Burgers (of many kinds), Fries, Hot Dogs and you can also get a Frozen Custard or Beer or Wine. The Burgers increase in price depending on how many patties you want and whether you get Natural Angus or Natural Prime Brisket. Certain toppings such as Cheese, Steak Sauce and Organic Ketchup are a $1 upcharge, and adding Bacon will cost you an additional $1.57.

 I let the sales clerk talk me in to getting the Ultimate Cheeseburger. (Double Natural Prime Brisket Burger, Swiss Cheese and Bleu Cheese, Lettuce, Tomato and Pickles and Secret Sauce - $9.97)

Then I had to get an order of Fresh Cut Fries ($2.77) and I added Parmesan Cheese and Herbs (.77). My friend ordered the Sea Salt and Vinegar Fries and that way we could share. We also each got a fountain beverage running $2.27 each.

As for the Burger itself I enjoyed the taste, however I didn’t notice anything special about the Natural Prime Brisket, and I wondered why I bothered to order the “Fancier Beef”.

I like the fact that they don’t completely cut through the bun so that it is still hinged together which makes it easier to eat without falling apart. I also am a sucker for gimmicks and like the branded logo they sear in the bun tops. The toppings were fresh.

My Parmesan and Herb Fries were good, but my friend’s Sea Salt and Vinegar Fries were far superior. I also don’t know if either “Fry Toppings” were worth the extra money.

One of the many employees brought around a sample of their Frozen custard for us to try. It was delicious.

Although we both enjoyed the way our Burgers tasted, my biggest complaint about BurgerFi is the price. For two of us to each have a Burger, Fries and a Drink it came to $35. I have no problem paying top dollar for food, but honestly I could get just as enjoyable a meal at either Five Guys or Boardwalk for much less money.