In 2016 Manuel Sanchez, a retired engineer and Potomac local, was looking for a new job opportunity. He considered purchasing different franchises involving burgers and decided on BurgerFi, (short for Burgerfication of the Nation), a young brand started in 2011 that emphasized 100 percent fresh, made-to-order burgers. He liked the solid corporate structure and the concept of selling Angus beef burgers free of steroids, antibiotics and additives.
With his son Diego he purchased a BurgerFi first in Silver Spring followed by a location in Woodbridge, Virginia. They then decided to build their own restaurant from the ground up in North Bethesda, in the Pike & Rose Shopping Center. They built two more restaurants this summer, one in Towson, Maryland and another in White Marsh in Baltimore. Diego stresses that they are all are eco-friendly and family-friendly, with television shows and music available to appeal to all ages.
Although the owners say the Black Angus CEO Burger is a customer favorite, BurgerFi offers so much more than the traditional beef patty. A few offerings from their menu: hand-cut fries, a house-made crispy quinoa veggie burger (VeggieFi), fresh onion rings, a plant-based beyond burger, natural beef hot dogs and the Fi'ed chicken sandwich, along frozen desserts and a selection of wines and craft beers. According to Diego, “Whether you are meat lover or a veggie lover, we offer options for everyone.” They also offer a children's menu and discounts for veterans.
Although the Sanchezes’ BurgerFis are part of a nation-wide franchise,Diego notes that the individual restaurants can be innovative. Because a family member suffers from celiac disease the Sanchezes decided to offer a gluten-free bun. They offer take-out and delivery as well for their customers.
To learn more about BurgerFi or to find a full list of locations, please visit https://www.burgerfi.com
