Just a couple months after Hollywood’s Wahlberg brothers launched Wahlburgers to much fanfare in Toronto, New York’s Bareburger has moved north, with the opening of its first unit outside of the U.S. Launched soon after the recession, Euripides Pelekanos, CEO and co-founder, has grown the franchise to more than 20 units. Set apart by its self-proclaimed organic, free-range, humanely raised, antibiotic- and hormone-free meat, it puts customers in the driver’s seat, offering a choice of patty (including beef, duck and black bean), bun (including brioche, hemp milk and sprout), sauce, spread, cheese, veggies and more. Guests can also choose from various salads (Cali Fresh, $11.95, $15.95), sandwiches (Backyard Brisket, $12.25), chef-inspired burgers (Hog Wild, $12.25), sides (wasabi carrot slaw, $4.85) and drinks (Root Beer Float, $7.95). Strategy consultant-turned-restaurateur Raghu Balasa helms the Dundas Street incarnation, which mimics the corporate in-house design, offering a funky 65-seat footprint, filled with banquet seating, rustic wood accents and vibrant faux animal-head art.
111 Dundas Street W.
