THE owners of an Italian restaurant that has reopened as a burger joint have hailed its first few weeks of trading as "great".

In the face of a saturated Italian market in Worcester, the owners of Puccini's decided on in its new guise as Burgerworks.

It styled itself as the city's first dedicated handmade burger restaurant when it opened earlier this month – and has been a success so far.

Burgerworks, which opened a fortnight ago, is the brainchild of Arvin and Therese Gautama, who ran Puccini’s in Friar Street for 11 years.

Mrs Gautama said: “We decided that Worcester needed something new and fresh, so Burgerworks was born.

“The response so far has been brilliant and we’re thrilled with the support we’ve received – we’ve been really busy.

"When you swap a really successful, popular business for a new one there’s obviously a risk involved but the custom and feedback so far has been great.”

Inspiration came to the couple following trips to London burger restaurants such as Byron, Honest Burgers and Patty and Bun.

Burgerworks’ menu champions local produce and comprises burgers made from 100 per cent grass-fed Herefordshire beef, and free range lamb and chicken from H. Dayus Butchers in St John’s.

There is also locally-sourced vegetables, artisan buns and craft beers, as well as fish, vegetarian, healthy and gluten-free options, and a children’s menu.

Julia Gautama, daughter of the owners and restaurant manager, said: “We’ve had a lot of people come back after a few days because they can’t wait to try the next burger they’ve got their eye on – our most popular choices so far are the ABC (avocado, bacon and stilton) or the No More Heroes, which is topped with homemade chilli.

"Our sundaes and milkshakes are really popular, too.”

The restaurant is open on Tuesday to Friday from 12noon to 2.30pm and from 5pm to 10pm.

On Saturdays it is open from 11.30am to 10.30pm and on Sundays from 11.30am to 9pm.

 

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