Friday, June 4, 2010

The Burger Business Can’t Boom Forever

There are few things in life more pleasurable than biting into a perfect burger. Perfectly charred, juicy, meaty, covered with cheese and oozing some kind of mayo-type sauce. It’s really a simple pleasure. One that’s much easier screw up as to do properly. Over-thinking a burger often causes one to lose sight about the fact that doing the simple part is more important than anything else.

Lately about four gazillion and one new burger joints have opened up across the GTA. And they’re all fancied up with $5 toppings that should never be put on a burger. Reviews are all over the place. The most common complaint is that the burgers are not cooked properly (aka dry). This angers me. Being such a huge fan of this food, I’m all for having a ton of dining choice and innovative creations. But the last thing I want is to have to choose among four gazillion and one new restaurants to find only one or two gems that do it right.

I say this can’t continue. I say this is a fad that will end poorly for at least half of the new places that have opened up. I will admit that I haven’t tried many of them and I doubt I will. I’m sure many are good, but the choice is simply too dizzying. I also don’t think everyone shares my love and there aren’t enough people to keep these places making money long enough.

It’s really unfortunate, but it’s reality. The places that stay in business will be the ones in a good location that make a consistent, delicious and fresh product and charge a reasonable price. It sounds so simple, doesn't it?