Burgatory gets national nod among restaurants 'primed for success'

Burgatory was named to QSR’s annual list of America’s Hottest Startup Fast Casuals, one of 40 restaurants in the nation to be recognized.

QSR, a magazine that caters to the restaurant industry, launched the list in 2017.

“Everyone wants to find the next big thing in restaurants,” Sam Oches wrote for QSR, explaining that the 2021 list showcases “40 fast-casual concepts with fewer than 40 locations that survived covid-19 and — barring any future crises — are primed for success in our new normal.”

Burgatory — a Pittsburgh-based restaurant with nine locations, including PPG Paints Arena, Heinz Field, Murrysville and the original in Waterworks mall near Aspinwall — earned the 36th spot on the list.

“We’re absolutely ecstatic about being included on the 2021 QSR 40/40 list,” said Mike Hanley, president and partner at Burgatory. “Like many restaurants, covid has slowed down our expansion plans this past year, but we’re very optimistic about the future and looking forward to growing beyond Pittsburgh in the coming year.”

The managers and crew, he said, are the key to the restaurant’s success — along with their burgers and shakes.

“This devilishly clever brand has all the greatest hits of your favorite dive: premium build-your-own or signature burgers; draft beers; craft-made cocktails; finger foods like nachos, wings, and onion rings; and spun-to-order milkshakes, including hard shakes,” QSR wrote in their description of the restaurant.

Burgatory’s menu has options ranging from the Farmer Brown (beef burger topped with an over-easy egg, maple cured ham, farmhouse cheddar, lettuce and mayo) to the Piggy Butter and Jelly, a Cajun-dusted ground beef and ground bacon burger with cheese, candied bacon, pickles, peanut butter and Habanero jelly.

The custom burger option allows customers to select their own burger, bun, rub, cheese, sauce and toppings. And there are vegan options, including the Impossible Burger and a black-bean and corn burger.

To wash it down, Burgatory offers milkshakes spun to order with house-turned vanilla bean ice cream. Hard shake offerings include shakes spiked with bourbon or vodka.