2009.05.15
Burger in the Square is stretching out
Look for a well-known hamburger eatery to expand its presence beyond the Roanoke City Market Building's walls this summer. The owners of Burger in the Square, which opened in 1985 at the City Market Building in downtown Roanoke, plan to open a second location on Brambleton Avenue in Southwest Roanoke County.
Anita Wilson, co-owner of this eatery with her husband, Louis, told me that the restaurant will take the current Pitt Boss BBQ space at 3904 Brambleton Ave. Pitt Boss plans to relocate to a larger spot at 4301 Brambleton Ave., which formerly housed Tito's Restaurant.
The Wilsons, owners of Burger in the Square since 1999, are expanding the eatery's reach for several reasons. Anita Wilson said they've always wanted to have a second location.
Also, this new spot will act as a safety net for the Wilsons once the City Market Building closes for renovations for nine to 12 months. The city hasn't yet announced when the building will close. Wilson said she hopes to keep Burger in the Square at the downtown building, even after renovations are complete.
Still, "we'll have to see what happens as far as going back" to the City Market Building, she said. The new Roanoke County restaurant "is a contingency plan for us."
The Wilsons will expand Burger in the Square's menu at the Roanoke County spot, adding chicken, salads, sandwiches, corn dogs and hot dogs. This new cozy restaurant space seats more than 30 diners.
The Wilsons are aiming for a July 1 opening for the new Burger in the Square.
Photo by Roanoke Times photographer Justin Cook
Glad to see them take this action. Have talked to them at various times as the Market Building charades goes on. They seem like such nice people and serve great food. My wife usually stays in the car as she has MS and cannot get out in the crowds very well and I take the food out so we can enjoy it. However, as we live in the general area of the new location I feel we will be frequent customers. Good luck.
Comment by Roy Lindamood — May 15, 2009 @ 10:09 am
Hope they make it there. Poor location I think as it is hard to get into and cross over from the south bound side. Many others have not lasted long in that Brambleton location. Wish them success and hope they break the trend.
Comment by JD — May 17, 2009 @ 6:09 pm
awesome burgers, cant wait to visit new location, which is closer to where I live
best of luck
Comment by pammala — May 17, 2009 @ 7:20 pm
To get 30 people in that place, its going to take the same guy who designed the seating at the Texas Tavern.
Comment by Argis Regin — May 17, 2009 @ 9:23 pm
Good luck Anita and Louis!!!
Comment by Robin Maxey — May 19, 2009 @ 7:02 am