Restaurants spring up over summer

Monday, August 11, 2008

While students left Lawrence for internships and vacations, several restaurants sprung up in Lawrence over the summer.

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Five Guys Burgers and Fries, 2040 W. 31st Street, opened in late June adjacent to Best Buy and Longhorn Steakhouse.

The Virginia-based chain, which started in 1986 and now claims 292 franchises, offers a “straightforward menu with great hot dogs and burgers,” according to co-owner Mike Richey.

Richey said Five Guys Burgers and Fries was a no-frills restaurant that stuck to grilling burgers, fries and hot dogs instead of dabbling in salads and desserts. The restaurant offers 15 free toppings on burgers and hot dogs — Richey said bacon was the most popular topping.

Despite competition from nearby restaurants such as Backyard Burgers and Steak ’n Shake, Richey said Five Guys Burgers and Fries’ business has been robust in its first few weeks.

“We feel like the response has been good and people seem to enjoy the product,” Richey said. “Now we’re just anxious to see some of the students coming back to town.”

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Holiday Plaza shopping center is home to Paisano’s Ristorante, one of Lawrence’s top date-night destinations. As of early July, the strip mall also has a more laid-back dining option: The Hut, 2116 W. 25th St..

The Hut is just what it sounds like: A small hut that wouldn’t seem out of place at the state fair. But its small size belies its fairly diverse menu.

The restaurant serves a variety of simple foods, including open-faced roast beef sandwiches, frito pies and sloppy joes. Owner Barry Rogers said The Hut’s specialty was Coney Island-style hot dogs — miniature hot dogs served with onions and hot sauce.

“The Coney Island hot dog obviously comes from the region in New York, but it has become more popular in the South,” said The Hut owner Barry Rogers. “We’re hoping it’ll catch on here.”

Rogers said Coney Island-style food was particularly popular in Tulsa, Okla., where he previously owned a restaurant. The Hut’s most expensive item costs less than $5.

— — Edited by Matt Hirschfeld

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