Jan Norris: Food and Florida

Another new eatery devoted to burgers and fries has opened – Boardwalk Fresh Burgers & Fries in Boca Raton’s Shops at Boca Grove on Powerline Road.

Get used to the name: It’s the first of 50 of these to planned to open in Florida; the next one’s headed for Orlando.

Irene Jung, owner of the franchise, labels the Boca audience “ideal” for the concept’s family-friendly dining.

Their claim to fame is a 4-ounce made-to-order burger ($3.59, to around $6), and hand-cut fries, $2.39. Other offerings: beef hot dogs, grilled chicken sandwiches or wraps, veggie black bean burgers, made-to-order salads, shakes, beers and wines. For desserts, there are Funnel Cake “fries.”

Started with fries

To celebrate the opening, they’re offering free fries all day. The crisp potatoes, fried “numerous times at various temperatures” in peanut oil (so their web site says), are an icon with a 30-year history of sales along the Ocean City, Md., boardwalk. Marylanders eat them doused with vinegar and a shake of Old Bay seasoning. They’re offered with chili, cheese or a gravy cup for dipping, as well, at the stores.

In 2007, brothers Dave and Fran DiFerdinando came up with the Boardwalk Fresh Burgers and Fries concept, based on the memory of those fries – and the obvious choice of sandwich to serve with them. The chain won recognition as one of the “Next Big Chain” listings in the AOL Small Business report last year. There are currently eight locations in six states and 152 units on the way.

Today, Dec. 14, free fries

A free order of fries per customer is today’s grand-opening promo. There’s an outdoor garden patio area for dining outdoors –  if you want to brave the freezing temps today, and because it’s Boca, complimentary valet parking on the weekends.

Boardwalk Fresh Burgers & Fries

• 21077 Powerline Road, Boca Raton
• 561-482-1561; boardwalkburgersandfries.com
• Open daily, 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.