Restaurant operated by travel hospitality provider Delaware North has taken off since opening
FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. (May 10, 2011)–Since opening at Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport in November, Burger Bar by Chef Allen has quickly become a popular dining spot for airport travelers and other visitors.
Now the eatery in the pre-security area of Terminal 4 is ready to compete for the title of “Best Burger in Fort Lauderdale.”
Acclaimed South Florida chef Allen Susser and partner Delaware North Companies, which operates restaurants at the Fort Lauderdale airport and 30 other airports around the world, have entered Burger Bar by Chef Allen in Friday evening’s second annual Burger Battle at the Riverside Hotel.
“We’re excited to share Chef Allen’s great burgers with an audience that might not have had a chance yet to enjoy them at the airport,” said Jean-Pierre Turgot, general manager at the airport for Delaware North’s travel hospitality services division.
“Sales have greatly exceeded our expectations, and we continue to receive compliments from diners. People are telling us they did not expect a burger from an airport restaurant to be among the best they’ve ever tasted,” Turgot said, also noting the burgers were well-received at the Food Network South Beach Wine & Food Festival in February.
Susser created an uncomplicated and straight forward menu for Burger Bar by Chef Allen. The James Beard culinary award winner recognized the need for familiar and regional foods but also the desire for unexpected choices.
“The burgers, cheeseburgers, salads, shakes and other foods are interesting, but not intimidating,” Susser said. “The flavors reflect our diverse cultures from right here in South Florida, including our Beach Burger, the Coastal Turkey Burger, Spicy Tuna Burger and Stone Crab Chowder.”
For traditional beef burgers, Burger Bar by Chef Allen relies on a custom blend of short rib, brisket and sirloin steak, which is hand-shaped to ensure the burger’s flavor and texture. Burgers are then seasoned and grilled to order.
Delaware North first partnered with Susser to bring Chef Allen’s 2 Go kiosks to Fort Lauderdale airport in late 2009. The kiosks offer travelers Susser’s signature Caribbean- and Latin American-influenced salads, wraps and desserts made from local ingredients.
Both Chef Allen concepts are two of several new restaurant choices that Delaware North has brought to Fort Lauderdale airport since late 2009. In addition, travelers can now dine at Pasha’s, the popular Mediterranean restaurant with several locations in Miami, as well as another regional favorite, Casa de Fresco. Delaware North also added several locations of acclaimed South Florida sushi and seafood restaurant Sushi Maki.
More information about Friday’s Burger Battle, presented by Publix Apron’s Cooking School, is available at http://www.goriverwalk.com.
Note to Editors: Professional photos of Burger Bar by Chef Allen’s interior, exterior and several menu items are available upon request.