Famous Archie's is celebrating its first anniversary of serving up smash burgers and shakes, cementing its place on the menu of popular eateries in Orillia.
Since the restaurant opened in the Fittons West Plaza on Sept. 5. 2023, customers have been lining up to enjoy its burgers and milkshakes. Owners Joe Winacott and his wife, Claire, say they are "thrilled" with how popular the business has become.
"We get a lot of business through students from the two (nearby) high schools who are coming on their lunch," Joe said. "It's grown a lot faster than we thought it would and we didn't project that we would be as busy as we've been."
Joe, who also owns Studabakers Beachside in downtown Orillia, says "top-notch service" and fresh ingredients are the keys to their success.
"We use certified Angus beef for the burgers," he explained. "Fresh quality and customer engagement goes a long way in the restaurant business."
Another big draw for Famous Archie's has been its monthly burger and shake features that are typically themed around a movies or television programs from the '70s, '80s or '90s.
"We like to keep it fun and fresh," Joe said. "It gives people that sense of nostalgia."
One of the most popular features was the Shark Bite shake, which was available in August. It included Cookie Monster ice cream and a shark gummy.
"We thought the Cookie Monster ice cream was cool, and we wanted to do something with it," Joe said. "We have a Shark Bite drink down at Studabakers that we thought we could play off of and incorporate it into the Jaws theme for the summer."
The most popular burger this year was the McFly. The double smashed American cheeseburger on a sesame bun was dressed with fried cheese curds, lettuce, tomato, pickle, onion, mayonnaise, and ketchup. It was available during the month of June.
"It did really well," he said. "I love Back to the Future, so it was fun to pay tribute to that iconic '80s movie."
Claire says her favourite monthly feature was the Hulkster banana shake. It was available in May.
"It was so fresh," she said. "It was a favourite for many and probably our biggest one."
Also available in June was the Ooohh Yeah... burger named after popular wrestler Randy 'Macho Man' Savage. It was loaded with double smashed patties, American cheese, Famous Dave's Wweet n' Spicy pickles, a fried egg, lettuce, tomato, onion, pickle, and 'savage sauce.'
"It's the one I most enjoyed," Joe said. "I grew up watching wrestling back in the '80s and it was a good part of my childhood that I remember. That's kind of where we pull these ideas from."
The monthly special not only brings something new to the eatery every month, but it also keeps Joe and Claire inspired.
"Running a restaurant is super tough and labouring," Joe said. "Taking a little break to do something creative is fun. It's something we look forward to each month."
Joe says he looks forward to hearing feedback from customers who come in for the new features each month.
"We have people come in every day and say it's the best burger and shake they've ever had," he said.
"They comment on the old-school feel. It's really nice," Claire added.
When the Winacotts opened the business, they figured their demographic would be people ages 30 to 50. Instead, it's become a "true family" restaurant.
"We've created a fun vibe that's open to all ages," Joe said. "People bring their grandkids here to reflect back and tell stories. They also create new memories here and I think that's what it's all about."
To celebrate the restaurant's first anniversary, this month's feature includes Archie's Lunch Box. It comes with the signature Archie burger, fries, two buffalo fingers, and a fountain pop. The shake of the month is Birthday Cake.
The monthly feature for October will include a Ghostbusters-themed shake and burger.
"The Ghostbusters shake is made with vanilla ice cream and some toasted marshmallow flavouring," Joe explained. "We are going to be using marshmallow whip and it's something we are still playing with a little bit."
The double smash Ghostbusters burger will include mozzarella cheese, fresh jalapenos, a sesame seed bun, lettuce, onion, tomato, pickles, and 'Who Ya Gonna Call?' sauce.
Joe says he plans to keep growing the business locally. He wants it to become a staple of Orillia.
"Every day, we have people coming in and saying they never knew we were here," he said. "It's kind of cool that we still have new customers coming here and trying it for the first time."
Claire says people come from various locations to try the burgers and shakes.
"We had people come from Collingwood just to try one of our burgers," she said. "They come and tell their stories that relate to the different features. It's pretty cool."
While Joe says he'd like to possibly open a second location, for now he's focused on making the West Street North spot as famous as possible.
Joe and Claire thank everyone who have helped to make the restaurant become a fan favourite.
"Without our customers, we wouldn't be here," Joe said. "They've made this as successful as its been."