Friday, June 15, 2012

New burger chain, Highway 55, coming to Charlotte

A new chain, Highway 55 Burgers, Shakes, & Fries, (formerly Andy's Burgers, Shakes & Fries) is set for a major push into western North Carolina, starting in Charlotte this fall.

The 1950s diner-style restaurant company has agreed to franchise 75 restaurants in western North Carolina over the next decade. Plans call for 23 restaurants in Charlotte metro area, starting with one in the University Pointe shopping center.

Highway 55, based in Mount Olive, had 2010 sales of approximately $50 million. There are currently 100 Highway 55 locations, mostly in the eastern part of the state. The company is planning to open 250 more restaurants outside the state, in Florida, South Carolina, Ohio and Virginia.'

The University Pointe store is set to open in September. Terrell and Brett Rhye, father and son, are going to be building that and the other new locations. Terrell Rhye, of Mooresville, founded the real estate firm InterSouth.

In February, the company changed its name to Highway 55 as it prepared to expand, after discovering another company already had the federal trademark on "Andy's." Highway 55 isn't the first local burger chain to have to change its name when it decided to expand: Bad Daddy's Burger Bar used to be Big Daddy's, but someone had already trademarked that name.



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21 comments:

Anonymous said...

WOW just what we needed a totally new concept.
Another Burger, Fries, Shake place.

Steveh said...

This is a great place to eat!! Eat there anytime I go to the eastern part of the state.

Anonymous said...

There is one on 24/27 in Locust near the Wal-Mart.

Anonymous said...

Just more contribution to Obesity epidemic...I'll pass

bs13690 said...

Meh, more burgers. I don't see anything that sets them apart from Steak & Shake.

Anonymous said...

All of you saying negative things are just silly! I'm from Eastern North Carolina (and not at all obese, thank you very much) and this place is the best!! And it's a whole lot more than a burgers, fries, and shakes place! I can't wait!!!

Anonymous said...

They have great cheesesteaks too!

Anonymous said...

Hwy 55 Burgers recently won a "Burger Brackets" competition that compared chains from across the country.

http://www.burgerbusiness.com/?p=10075

I can't wait to check this place out!

Anonymous said...

Hi, I'm Guy Fieri and we're rollin' out. Burgers in Charlotte... with a twist! Oh wait. They're just more hamburgers.

Anonymous said...

Just checked the menu online. No kosher options. Of course not. It's not like us jews have any money to spend. Way to stay progressive, Charlotte. Yeah, right. :(

Anonymous said...

Do the obesity police have any idea what jerks they are? Maybe you should focus on you own weaknesses first before condemning others. How bout a campaign to end smug, self absorbed narcissism.

lisamac00 said...

I am from the triad/triangle area and I love Andy's. They do have more of a variety than just burgers and fries. Give them a chance. I think you will like them. Their burgers are killer and the custard is AMAZING!!!

Jay Hanig said...

The burgers and fries remind of the kind we used to get in snack bars back in the early 60s. They're good but what is really good is their frozen custard.

This isn't just a Micky D wannabe. You ought to give them a shot.

Em said...

MMM they have yummy orangeades and good food too! Used to eat there when I lived in Wilmington, its definitely more than your typical burger spot.

Greg said...

You lost me at Chain.....

Anonymous said...

Does anyone know if Hwy 55 stores have jungle gyms and playgrounds for kids? What about alcohol? I like to wash down my custard with a few beers. Or maybe just tap water if it's free.

Can't wait!

Anonymous said...

I too live in eastern NC. This the best place to get a burger because they don't cook it until you order it. The orande aide is out of this worl

Anonymous said...

Andy's isn't that great. Five Guys puts them to shame.

Anonymous said...

I hear this great concept is coming @ school house commons harrisburg by lowes foods. I live few blocks can't wait. Matter of this will be first in east side I hear.thank you for coming in our town

Anonymous said...

Used to be Andy's. Frequented this at the coast. You have to try a shrimp burger. Has super selection. My daughter at Rice University in Houston just called she was all excited about getting a cheese steak.

Anonymous said...

Used to be Andy's. Frequented this at the coast. You have to try a shrimp burger. Has super selection. My daughter at Rice University in Houston just called she was all excited about getting a cheese steak.