Wayback Burgers, which bills itself as “America’s favorite hometown burger joint,” on Wednesday announced a lease signing to open a new restaurant in Lehigh County in mid-2022.
The eatery, at 5585 Hamilton Blvd. in Lower Macungie Township, will be the 16th Wayback Burgers location owned and operated by local franchisees in Pennsylvania and is projected to add approximately 30 new jobs to the local economy, according to a news release.
It will supplement two other area locations in Bethlehem Township and North Whitehall Township.
“We are pleased to continue the expansion of the Wayback Burgers brand in Pennsylvania with the lease signing announcement of our Trexlertown restaurant,” Patrick Conlin, president of Wayback Burgers, said in the release. “With operations in 32 states and new restaurants extending our footprint nationwide, it is an exciting time to be a part of the Wayback Burgers family and we look forward to working with excellent franchise partners like Sanket Mehta, Anjali Shelat and Shivang Shelat to introduce Wayback Burgers to the Trexlertown community.”
Founded in 1991 in Newark, Delaware, Wayback Burgers is a Connecticut-based fast-casual franchise with a reputation for cooked-to-order burgers, available as a single patty or classic double patties, along with thick, hand-dipped milkshakes, served in an environment that hearkens back to a simpler place and time — “when customer service meant something and everyone felt the warmth of the community,” according to a company description.
The “Cheeeesy” is a fan favorite and comes with four slices of melted American cheese and two beef patties cooked-to-order, sandwiched between an inverted, grilled and buttered bun.
Going “way” beyond the burger, Wayback Burgers also offers cheesesteaks, crispy and grilled chicken sandwiches, veggie burgers, Impossible Burgers, chicken tenders, fresh salads, and various sides, including fries, onion rings and mac and cheese bites. Customers also can opt for a hand-dipped milkshake, crafted to order with Blue Bunny ice cream and milk.
“Wayback is honest and straightforward, reflecting our guests: hardworking people who want simple, uncomplicated things,” a message on the business’ website reads. “Coming here is a treat. It’s a place for everyone to feel comfortable, and no one is excluded. It feels revived — young and fresh with a nod to how things were ‘back in the day’ but with a twist.”
The chain operates in 32 states with more than 166 locations nationally and internationally in Brunei, Morocco, Saudi Arabia, Malaysia, Pakistan, The Netherlands, Ireland and Manitoba, Canada. Through its executed international franchise agreements, the company also plans to open in 38 provinces and countries, including South Africa, Bangladesh, Japan, Germany and Alberta, Ontario, Saskatchewan and British Columbia, Can.
“Sanket, Shivang and I are excited to be opening our first Wayback Burgers restaurant and look forward to delivering excellent service and exceptional meals to Trexlertown,” said Anjali Shelat, local franchisee. “We always dreamed of owning a business one day but knew starting from the ground up would bring challenges. As a new business owner, one of the aspects that attracted us to a Wayback Burgers franchise was being able to leverage its established corporate infrastructure and support systems to help guide us along the way.”
The new Wayback Burgers eatery will encompass a 1,758 square-foot design, offering a “lighter and brighter elevated dine-in experience,” according to the release.
It will feature a variety of seating options, including upholstered banquettes, booths and community tables, along with a modern kitchen visible through glass windows, allowing guests to see their food being prepared.