Hwy 55 Burgers, Shakes & Fries is scheduled to open its first Mountain State restaurant in Thundering Herd country in Huntington, West Virginia, on November 16. Hwy 55 has plans for 20 more restaurants throughout West Virginia in the next 10 years, which would add approximately 800 jobs to the state.
With the new restaurant located at 801 3rd Avenue across from Big Sandy Arena, Huntington residents and the Marshall University community will experience an inviting dining experience with fresh, never-frozen burgers, premium sliced cheesesteaks piled high on steamed hoagies, and frozen custard made in-house every day. With its open-grill design, the kitchen's dedication and care when hand-crafting meals is front and center.
"We are so excited to bring the great tastes and unforgettable atmosphere of Hwy 55 to West Virginia, the city of Huntington, home to Marshall University,” says Don Downard, who along with wife Lynda and their daughter, Erin Highlander, serve as franchise owners of the new restaurant. “Hwy 55 has a stellar reputation for having the best burgers you’ll find anywhere and we can’t wait to open our doors for the great people of this state.”
With approximately 130 units and growing, Hwy 55 is already a household name in other states and the Huntington location will be the first of many as the brand builds its West Virginia profile.
“I founded Hwy 55 Burgers, Shakes & Fries 25 years ago to provide something that I felt was missing: great food, friendly service and honest value,” says Hwy 55 president Kenney Moore, who flipped every burger himself for the brand’s first two years of business. “Those principles continue today at all of our restaurants. West Virginia has a proud history, rich in family tradition which pairs perfectly with Hwy 55's focus on retro values and an always-fresh take on classics."
In keeping with Hwy 55’s continued mission to give back to the communities it enters, Hwy 55’s Andy’s Charitable Foundation and the local franchise owners will donate 10 percent of sales from the restaurant’s first three days to the Facing Hunger Foodbank’s BackPack Program. Facing Hunger Foodbank is an affiliate of Feeding America, the nation’s leading domestic hunger-relief charity. Hwy 55’s Erin Highlander is a longtime supporter of the Foodbank. Andy’s Charitable Foundation is Hwy 55’s most visible commitment to community involvement.
