LANGLEY, B.C., CANADA, December 2, 2005 -- Cool 1950s retro styling accented with neon lights, four plasma TV sets, a jukebox belting out hits from the last half-century, and a one-of-a-kind wall display that depicts the history of the burger chain that's as synonymous with L.A. as the city's freeways highlight Canada's newest Fatburger restaurant, set to open this week in Langley.
Located at 21025 64th Avenue in Langley's Willowbrook Corner retail power center, the new restaurant accommodates up to 70 guests and features a raised dining room with seating for teams and other large groups, plus a roll-up garage-style door that conveniently unites inside and outside spaces. The restaurant has an appealing color scheme that contrasts claret burgundy with cool teal blue colors, and showcases finishes reminiscent of early Fatburger hamburger stands.
To reach the restaurant, call (604) 514-1070. Orders may be faxed to (604) 514-0830.
During pre-opening activities as a gesture of goodwill, the staff and management are donating fat and skinny tips to Langley Family Services, a respected local organization that has been helping families in need since 1971. Approximately 35 staffers will be employed at the new Fatburger. Ryan Thelwell, known to fans as the Quiet Assassin, a wide receiver for the Canadian Football League's BC Lions, made a special appearance at the restaurant's Hospitality Night and Silent Auction, November 30, with funds raised also benefiting Langley Family Services.
The franchisee for Fatburger in Canada is Frank Di Benedetto of Frankie's Burger Enterprises, a veteran of the restaurant industry. "I am delighted that the Fatburger brand has been received so well by Canadians and look forward specifically to introducing Langley area residents to the burgers that are as famous as Los Angeles," said Di Benedetto.
Last May, Vancouver's vibrant West End community became home to the very first Fatburger restaurant in Canada, and the first location outside of the United States for the fast-growing hamburger chain founded in Los Angeles, California in 1952. That 1600-square-foot facility is located at 1101 Denman Street, near the beach at popular English Bay and shopping on nearby Robson Street.
"It's a pleasure to know that our great-tasting hamburgers are winning many new friends in Canada as expansion plans continue to roll out on schedule," said Elaine Patel, vice president of marketing, Fatburger North America, Inc. Plans are on the drawing board for Di Benedetto to open at least 20 Fatburger restaurants throughout Canada in the next few years.
To ensure customer satisfaction, each Fatburger, Turkeyburger and Chicken Sandwich is grilled immediately after it is ordered. Customers may garnish their Fatbuger or other sandwich with a wide selection of toppings, including cheese, bacon, a fried egg, and chili.
In addition to the trademark 1/3 lb. Fatburger, made with fresh, lean AAA Canadian beef, guests may also select from a menu that features chili dogs, homemade onion rings, and "fat" or "skinny" fries. Milkshakes made with real hand-scooped ice cream top the list of beverages that includes an assortment of soft drinks.
About Frank of Frankie's Burger Enterprises
Headquartered in Burnaby, B.C., Frankie's Burger Enterprises is a wholly owned subsidiary of Ricky's All Day Grill Restaurants. Ricky's Operates 50+ locations in Western Canada. Company President and CEO/Owner Frank Di Benedetto grew up in Prince George, B.C., where, as a young man, began working at McDonald's in 1969. This eventually developed into a long-term career with assignments in Montreal, Vancouver, Winnipeg, and Edmonton. In 1998, Frank assumed a senior consultant's role and commenced the re-enhancement strategy for the Ricky's All Day Grill. Frank always aspired to one day return to the burger business and is very proud to be introducing Fatburger to the Canadian market.
About Fatburger Restaurants
Founded by Lovie Yancey in Los Angeles, California in 1952, the Fatburger Restaurant chain has more than 75 restaurants serving big, fresh, lean beef burgers cooked to order on open grills in Arizona, California, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, Nevada, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Virginia, Washington, and in Canada. Based in Santa Monica, California, the company is actively seeking new franchisees for available territories across the nation. For more information, or to find a Fatburger restaurant near you, go to www.fatburger.com.
