2010 Mar 15 Patty Power: Fatburger finally opens
Fatburger has opened up a new front in Beijing's burger wars with their first Mainland China branch in The Grand Summit complex just north of the Kempinski Hotel. We dropped in for lunch today (hat tip to Beijing Boyce for his timely twitter post) and found the place hopping on this, its first official day of business after a slight delay due to some issues with sourcing their beef. Business was so brisk, in fact, it was hard not to feel a bit sorry for the forlorn O'Brien's counter (owned by the same management) in the corner.
The results seem to have been worth the wait - we sampled the standard Fatuburger meal (RMB 60 for a basic burger, fries or onion rings and a large drink, with optional add-ons like bacon, egg or cheese for RMB 5 extra for each) and tasted a discernable difference in the grilled patty (more ambitious eaters can opt for the RMB 60 Double Fatburger or RMB 80 Triple). Beef aside, the menu also includes grilled chicken sandwiches (RMB 50 for the meal deal, same sides as above), shakes (RMB 30 chocolate, vanilla or strawberry - though they haven't gotten in their supply yet), hot wings (RMB 40 for the combo meal) and fries (choose from either "fat" or "skinny," both RMB 20).
As with most North American based franchises, the owners have gotten the fast food-cum diner ambiance - from the red neon tube lights and stainless steel counter to the t-shirt clad waitstaff and light jazz and 80s rock soundtrack - down to a science. Perhaps the only noticeable Beijing twist is the "call and response" ordering system behind the counter ("Fatburger combo and fries," yells the cashier, to which the entire kitchen staff echoes a reply in unison).
The management has experience operating Fatburger branches down in Hong Kong and plans rapid expansion to other key areas (i.e. Sanlitun, Guo Mao etc.) in the near future.
Fatburger. 1-LB01 The Grand Summit, Liangmaqiao Diplomatic Compound (in the same building as Tavola and Starbucks, across the street and 300 m north of the Kempinski Hotel's main entrance), 19 East Dongfang Lu. Chaoyang District. (8532 1878) leelee@fatburgerlover.com, www.fatburger.com
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venus01
Re: Patty Power: Fatburger finally opens
yeah.. that's it.. show these chinese people that americans are nothing but fat...
beers and spice with all that's nice!
teachusa
Re: Patty Power: Fatburger finally opens
Fat and loving it!
gonobobel
Re: Patty Power: Fatburger finally opens
Omg, why so expensive? In Burger King it's not more than 30 for a meal!
siliconhutong
Re: Patty Power: Fatburger finally opens
There are way more expensive burgers in Beijing. You might want to give Fatburger a try before you decide what a meal is worth. I had a Double King with Egg at the soft-opening on Sunday, and I'd rate the burger better than Let's.
xizhiman
Re: Patty Power: Fatburger finally opens
O M G! On my over. Just love them
!
springlover
Re: Patty Power: Fatburger finally opens
Being a burger fan (mind you, i'm neither fat nor ugly) and having tasted many burger places in BJ such as Lets Burger, Blue Frog, Hard Rock, i must say they have absolutely the best burgers out there. The beef are all 100% imported from australia, freshly grounded everyday (i know cos i know someone who works there), juicy and tender as a burger should be. The skinny fries are fantastic and i simply loved the homemade onion rings. Recently my friends and i tried their milkshakes and it was just awesome - rich creamy and thick. I will definitely be back for more.
springlover
admin
Re: Patty Power: Fatburger finally opens
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