Betty's Burgers headed to Melbourne following Fitzroy's deal
In the midst of Australia’s burger mania, yet another burger joint has cropped up in the nation’s self-styled foodie capital.
Betty’s Burgers, which has enjoyed success in Queensland’s Noosa Heads and Surfers Paradise, is now headed south to Melbourne, signing a lease for a space in the heritage-listed 97 Elizabeth Street.
There it will compete with established players such as Huxtaburger, Mr Burger and many others.
The new site will become the Victorian flagship space for the restaurant, says Fitzroy’s Rick Berry, who leased the space with Jordan Ceppi.
The 180-square-metre space will be the company’s third outlet and the first outside Queensland.
According to Mr Berry, the site’s street frontage prompted a high number of inquiries.
“This former Laura Ashley store is well-positioned in a key CBD retail precinct, with a wide frontage to Elizabeth Street and a return frontage with Collins Street exposure,” he said.
“This and the site’s own substantial retail area saw high levels of inquiry from a range of retailers and hospitality tenants.”
Betty’s has previously indicated interest in opening in other locations in Australia via its Facebook page.
Mr Ceppi said the building’s owner was looking to convert the 250-square-metre basement space underneath the Betty’s Burgers store into a bar or restaurant with access to Equitable Lane, with a Fitzroy’s campaign to market the space expected in the coming months.
The Betty’s Burgers lease is for seven years, with 3.5 per cent increases at reviews.
Fitzroy’s did not disclose a lease price, only stating that market rates for similarly large shops in the same section of Elizabeth Street were around $2000 per square metre.
The lease begins on August 15, with Betty’s Burgers yet to confirm an opening date.
