Jan. 8, 2015 By Christian Murray
Bareburger is set to open its Vernon Blvd location by mid February.
Mark Turner, a co-owner in the 48-19 Vernon Boulevard restaurant, said that the burger chain will start training its staff in about two weeks with the goal of opening in early-to-mid February.
He said the restaurant will not be a franchise operation but will be owned by the company, along with some equity owners/operators such as himself.
Bareburger, which opened its first restaurant on 31st Avenue in Astoria five years ago, has gained traction by marketing its all-natural, organic produce.
The menu states: “All Bareburger meats are free-range, pasture-raised, humanely raised, [and] antibiotic-, gluten-, and hormone-free.”
Turner said that he has spoken to several parents in Long Island City who are glad that they will be able to get uncured meat for their children at the restaurant.
The Vernon Blvd restaurant’s décor is built with recycled products—with light fixtures made from old silverware and chicken wire, Turner said. The walls and ceilings are covered by reclaimed wood—so too the chairs, table tops, stools, bar and counter tops.
The floors have been constructed out of reclaimed mixed oak.
The Vernon Boulevard location will be comprised of 42 seats, with plans to open a sidewalk café with 30 seats. Turner said that the restaurant will offer wine and beer.
The restaurant will also be displaying the work of local artists.
Turner got his start at Bareburger working the counter at the chain’s Murray Hill location. He then went on to manage the 31st Avenue before co-owning the Vernon Blvd location.
Bareburger has built a chain of 20 restaurants—with several of them franchise operations.
