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Banks Burger in Newlands
An all-new fast-food Southern Suburbs-hotspot serving the ultimate homemade ‘burger, fries and shake’ combo
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Burger joints may be a dime a dozen in Cape Town. But finding the ultimate bun-and-patty institution that serves hearty hamburgers made entirely from scratch using only the best produce in the biz and that is also quick-serviced and affordable, now that is a rare discovery.
Lucky for you, and the thriving suburb of Newlands, your ‘ultimate-burger-shop-search’ is finally over as Banks Burger – an all-new fast-food restaurant and take-away hotspot – has officially opened its doors on Dean Street. Launched in July 2016, Banks Burger provides locals with easily-prepared homemade hamburgers, hand-cut fries and decadent milkshakes at affordable prices.
“We’re a fast-food burger shop that focuses on well-made products that are prepared in-house as much as possible”, explains Murray Beattie, who co-owns the Southern Suburbs burger joint with his father Greg. “We make all our own buns, sauces and pickles as well as mix our own mincemeat – we make whatever we can in-shop.”
The family-run business, which is named after Murray’s grandfather – ‘Banks’ was a nickname Murray gave to him as a kid – aims to provide community members with great-tasting and wholesome fast-food items that people can feel comfortable and happy eating. Made from the highest quality produce possible all in-house (and not full of the usual preservatives and additives one associates with food-fast products), Banks Burger strives to redefine the notion of ‘fast-food’ reverting back to how products were made in the good ol’days.
Although an accountant by trade, Murray had always dreamed of opening a burger shop, especially after travelling to the States as a student and getting a taste for the USA-bun-and-patty trade. Striving to fill a gap in the South African hamburger market, Murray aimed to create something that was thoughtful yet simple: “We’re definitely more of a fast-food spot than other Cape Town burger shops”, Murray clarifies referring to burger joints such as Hudson’s and Tigers Milk, “as we focus on orders, quick service and pick-up, but we’re more of an upgraded version of a fast food joint. I guess we do things how they used to do it back in the day.”
Offering a modest, yet well-thought out and prepared menu, Banks Burger serves patrons two burger options – single, double or triple – in the form of its normal Hamburger (all-beef patty) and The Butcher’s Daughter (falafel patty). Served with all the fixings – lettuce, tomato and fresh or caramelised onion – on a homemade bun, patrons can choose to add cheese at an additional cost as well as order a side of hand-cut sweet potato or potato fries or the house slaw (which is prepared on-site using Banks’ house sauces as the base). What’s more, for the carb-conscious folk, all buns can be swapped for lettuce wraps or no bun at all. Combos – burger, side and a drink – are available as well.
“The simplicity of the menu just means that we can focus on what we do and make sure that we do it well – making sure what we put out is the best product possible”, enthuses Murray.
Following the simplistic theme, the trendy Dean Street haunt boasts a classically chic and minimalistic interior. Designed by Christopher Chase – the graphic designer sits at the helm of Banks Burger’s look and feel – the space claims a quirky and stylish interior offering clean, crisp lines on a white canvas with splashes of orange and turquoise seen throughout.
Offering meals to-go as well as to sit-down (the little burger joint can seat around 24 people) diners are welcome to pop into the shop to order their meal or can call and collect. What’s more, although the store technically only fires up their grills around 11am-ish – ready for the lunch crowds – Banks Burger will serve its coffee-run from around 10am brewing easy and delicious Beaver Creek Coffee Estate java from the south coast of KwaZulu Natal.
Redefining fast-food, Banks Burger grills and fries like no other in the burger-biz serving old-school hamburgers and fries takeaways, complete with all the trimmings and sides, done right and well every time. “We’ve tried to keep it very simple”, Murray concludes, “which in turn works very well with our brand principles – keeping things simple but doing them well.”
NOTE: In the near future, Banks Burger will be offering a delivery service. Keep an eye on Banks Burger’s social media platforms for updates as well as daily specials!
Owner’s Tip: The single beef hamburger with cheese and sweet potato fries is Murray’s favourite. If you’re not sure what to order, start with the above, it comes highly recommended! Or perhaps, try the Banks triple hamburger – you know what they say; go big or go home!
The Bill: Burgers (beef and vegetarian): Single: R36 – R42 | Double: R52 – R58 | Triple: R70 – R76 | Combo: +R25 – R35 | Sides: R18 – R20 | Cool Drinks: R12 – R18 | Milkshakes: R20 – R25 | Coffee: R15 – R18
Opening Hours: Monday to Thursday: Coffee Run: 10am | Burger-Run: 12pm – 9pm | Friday and Saturday: Coffee Run: 10am | Burger Run: 12pm – 10pm | Sunday: Coffee Run: 10am | Burger Run: 12pm onwards
47 Dean Street | Newlands | Cape Town |+27 (0) 62 313 3551 | www.banksburger.com
by Krysia Gaweda
Image Credit: Christopher Chase
Video Credit: Josh Oates
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