As reported: Laura Barrero AXIOS Charlotte
First look: Harriet’s Hamburgers will open its first sit-down restaurant at The Bowl at Ballantyne and will open on Aug. 20.
Why it matters: Harriet’s Hamburgers first opened at Optimist Hall four years ago serving only burgers and fries. The menu at its first standalone restaurant will have far more options, including Minneapolis favorites.
The vibe: Similar to its Optimist Hall food stall, the Ballantyne restaurant is reminiscent of a diner from the 1950s and 1960s, with a modern touch.
- The 1,600-square-foot diner has indoor seating, plus an outdoor patio with green space.
- The “Jucy Lucy” burger, previously a secret menu item, is now a mainstay. It’s a nod to one owner’s Minneapolis roots and made with a patty stuffed with cheesy center, pickles and a classic bun. Another Minneapolis menu item is the cheese curds, made Minnesota State Fair style.
- Kids can order a “Happiness Meal,” their version of McDonald’s Happy Meal. It comes with a hamburger, fries or apple chips, soda or juice and a prize.
- To drink, there’s Boylan’s all-natural craft soda, agua fresca (housemade juice), beer, frosé and bubbly.
Stop by: 15109 Bowl St. Open 11am-9pm Sunday-Thursday and 11am-10pm Friday and Saturday.
What’s next: Harriet’s Hamburgers will open two more locations, one in Concord later this year and another in Matthews in 2025.