New twist on an old classic

The old saying what happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas didn’t quite apply to new business owners Chris Boehm and Steve Jones.

Together they took an idea created on a Vegas road trip and the legend was born — Penticton’s newest and most unique burger place, Burger 55.

“It started on a road trip to Vegas about seven years ago. We went down there to see a show but the whole trip revolved around burgers — burgers we ate on the road, in restaurants and Chris was really excited about getting a Carl Jr’s burger. It just kept coming up and on the way back we were a little bit tired, delirious from not getting much sleep and started talking about starting our own place and the idea was born out of that,” said Jones.

Burger 55 brings a new concept to an old favourite. By giving customers a plethora of options of what they want to stuff between the two buns, which there are also five different types of, each creation is left up to the customers imagination and appetite.

“We figured that anywhere you go you can get a burger, a cheeseburger or a bacon cheeseburger — the same three options no matter where you go. We thought there was a huge opportunity to really change that idea that you are so limited to the same thing. That is really where it all came from and the whole checklist idea was born out of that . You get to customize it yourself and make it your perfect burger with all the options and just go to town with it,” said Jones.

The main ingredient itself is not just limited to beef. Also on their menu is turkey, B.C. salmon, portabella mushrooms and butchers sausage dog. The combinations are limitless, whether you are feeling up to a goat cheese, tzatziki, caramelized onion turkey burger on a tortilla with a side of sweet potatoes or a classic cheddar and Canadian back bacon beef burger with sweet whiskey onion rings on the side.

As unique as their personalities and burger combinations, Burger 55 is located in a distinct location. What sat as the old, empty Larsen Brothers Tire Shop on 85 Westminster Ave. E. was completely transformed into the eye-catching colours of Burger 55.

“We really think branding is really important to what we want to do and it is amazing that people come in here and think we are a franchise because look at where we are, in an old little tire shop. It’s amazing that people think that. We obviously have done something right with the logos and colours that we have chosen,” said Boehm.

While Jones is originally from England and Boehm was raised in Edmonton, the lure of the Okanagan’s weather and lifestyle brought them here.

“The tourism factor is huge for us. I love the Okanagan and there is nothing here for what we wanted to do ... it just all kind of made sense,” said Boehm, who completed his business plan for Burger 55 at Community Futures in Penticton.

Having just opened their doors this month, the pair already have plans to show their community spirit. People may have already noticed them walking the downtown streets handing out food to homeless people. Plans are also in place to take part in Movember — a moustache growing event held every November to bring awareness to prostate cancer.

The unique burger shop is open Monday to Saturday from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. and also accepts faxed in orders for pick up. For more information on Burger 55 visit them at www.burger55.com.

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