LOWER MACUNGIE TWP., Pa. – An international burger chain is doubling its footprint in the Lehigh Valley.
Wayback Burgers, which bills itself as “America’s favorite hometown burger joint,” plans to open two new locations – one at 2185 W. Union Blvd. in Bethlehem and another at 5585 Hamilton Blvd., Suite A, in Lower Macungie Township.
The new fast-casual restaurants will supplement existing Wayback outposts on Route 309 in Schnecksville and Southmont Way in Bethlehem Township.
The Lower Macungie eatery, with seating for about 30 customers, is expected to open in late October or early November in the newly constructed Shepherd’s Corner shopping center, franchisee Shivang Shelat said.
Wayback Burgers did not immediately respond to a message seeking details on the Bethlehem location, which will open at a former Long John Silver’s site near other fast-casual chains Burger King, KFC and A&W.
“We’re very excited to be opening soon,” Shelat said. “We’ve been hit by a lot of supply, equipment and construction days over the past year, but we’re definitely progressing and getting excited to welcome customers.”
Wayback Burgers is a Connecticut-based fast-casual franchise known for its cooked-to-order burgers, available as classic double patties or as a single patty.
A popular pick is the Cheeeesy, which features four slices of melted American cheese and two beef patties cooked to order, sandwiched between an inverted, grilled and buttered bun.
Other menu highlights include cheesesteaks, crispy and grilled chicken sandwiches, Impossible Burgers, hot dogs, chicken tenders, salads and sides such as fries, cajun tots, onion rings and mac and cheese bites.
Hand-dipped milkshakes, made to order with Blue Bunny ice cream and milk, also are favorites. About a dozen shake varieties include café mocha, Oreo mud pie and strawberry banana.
- Wayback Burgers, which bills itself as “America’s favorite hometown burger joint,” is planning to open two new Lehigh Valley locations – one at 2185 W. Union Blvd. in Bethlehem and another at 5585 Hamilton Blvd. Suite A in Lower Macungie Township.
- In addition to its cooked-to-order burgers, the Connecticut-based fast-casual franchise offers cheesesteaks, crispy and grilled chicken sandwiches, Impossible Burgers, hot dogs, chicken tenders, salads and sides such as fries, cajun tots, onion rings and mac and cheese bites.
- The brand started offering franchise opportunities in 2008 and has since achieved international success, growing to more than 160 locations worldwide.
Wayback embodies a person’s inner rebel, someone “who might not eat their veggies, but holds the door for grandma every time,” a company description reads.
“Wayback is honest and straightforward, reflecting our guests: hardworking people who want simple, uncomplicated things,” the description continues. “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.”
Wayback Burgers began as a hamburger stand, “Jake’s Hamburgers,” in Newark, Delaware, in 1991.
The brand started offering franchise opportunities in 2008 and has since achieved international success, growing to more than 160 locations worldwide.
The Lower Macungie eatery will have a 1,800-square-foot design, featuring upholstered banquettes, booths and community tables.
It will be operated by Shelat, his sister, Anjali Shelat, and brother-in-law, Sanket Mehta.
The group had long wanted to operate their own business and was attracted to Wayback after visiting the chain’s location off of Freemansburg Avenue in Bethlehem Township and becoming fans.
“This is definitely a dream come true for us,” said Shivang, who previously managed Dunkin’ eateries for nine years. “Owning our own business is something we are passionate about, and Wayback is a brand that we are excited to partner with.”
The Lower Macungie eatery will serve lunch and dinner daily in an end space in Shepherd’s Corner, a six-unit strip mall that was completed in the spring.
Other tenants that have opened over the past few months include the Lehigh Valley’s first Capriotti’s Sandwich Shop, Prose Nails, Supercuts and Not Just Bagels. The UPS Store is also expected to open this fall.