By Rebecca Henely
A restaurateur whose well-regarded Astoria lounge burned down in a four-alarm fire earlier this year has a new eatery in the neighborhood with a focus on one dish.
While Just Burgers also offers hot dogs, the new joint, at 33-01 Ditmars Blvd. in Astoria, is primarily focused on all-natural Angus, turkey or veggie burgers for $5.35 made however the customer wants.
“The idea was bring the neighbor in and let them build their own burger,” said George Liapis, owner of Just Burgers.
After customers pick which type of burger meat they want, they get to choose from 10 free toppings; five types of cheese for an extra 85 cents; six premium toppings like bacon, guacamole and caramelized onions for an extra $1; and three types of buns. They can also choose four types of specialty burgers for $7.25 instead. For another $3.99, customers can get a drink and one of three types of fries.
“The idea is come here, spend $9 to $10 and get quality stuff,” Liapis said.
He said the Angus beef comes from grass-fed cows that do not receive hormones or antibiotics, and the beef is freshly ground. The fries are also made from Idaho potatoes cut on the premises and are not cooked in trans fat.
“It’s a little more expensive, but we know we have a great quality and we have a great taste as well,” he said.
Liapis, a Greek immigrant who has been in the restaurant business for 12 years, is also the owner of Flo Lounge Restaurant, at 30th Avenue and 38th Street. Flo burned down in a huge fire last March that left 13 firefighters and one civilian injured. Liapis said he is planning to reopen the restaurant before Christmas.
Until then, Liapis has been busy with Just Burgers, which he opened in May because he said the area did not have anything like a burger place where people could eat. The restaurant has indoor and patio eating areas with free Wi-Fi. Liapis said the restaurant also uses environmentally friendly LED lighting and recycled products.
Just Burgers opens at 11 a.m. for lunch and closes at midnight every day of the week except Friday night, when it stays open until 6 a.m. the next morning. The restaurant also does free deliveries in Astoria for orders that are $10 or more.
Liapis said that so far the feedback for the restaurant has been positive, and he has already made the meat and bread better based on customers’ suggestions.
“I believe for the price that we offer, it’s a really good deal because I know my stuff, my products,” he said.
Reach reporter Rebecca Henely by e-mail at rhenely@cnglocal.com or by phone at 718-260-4564.
