Five Guys to open in the next 30 days, rep says

Another hamburger joint will be opening on Broadway next month, but students say they’re not expecting a “burger war” any time soon.

A representative from Five Guys, a burger and fries chain, said a sixth New York location will open on Broadway and 111th Street within the next 30 days. The space has been unoccupied since Jas Mart, a Japanese specialty grocery store, moved out last year.

Mira Matic, a public representative of Newmark Knight Frank Retail, the real estate group that closed the deal, said they had been “informally advised that it should be opening very soon ... probably within 30 days.”

“We had a tremendous amount of interest in the location, and felt Five Guys was the natural fit and would service the area’s population well,” said Jeffrey Roseman, the executive vice president of Newmark Knight Frank Retail, in a press release last October.

“The area surrounding Columbia University is one of the most in demand retail destinations in the city, with its strong mix of residents, students, and burgeoning retail and nightlife component.”

Local food blogs have predicted that an all-out “burger war” will soon be upon Morningside Heights, since Mel’s Burger Bar, which opened six months ago, sits directly across from Five Guys new location.

The manager of Mel’s Burger Bar was unavailable for comment at the time of publication, but students said the two venues will attract different crowds at different times.

“I don’t think it will affect Mel’s much. Mel’s has kind of become the new Campo, and Five Guys is more of a fast food place than a bar or restaurant,” Rebecca Ciez, SEAS ‘13 said. Campo is a popular destination for students on a night out.

Tony Baker, CC ‘13, said the more budget-friendly Five Guys might bring in students who worry about their wallets.

“Mel’s burgers tend to be overpriced for my taste, so if Five Guys presented itself as a cheaper alternative it could certainly take a chunk out of Mel’s business,” said Baker. “However, Mel’s also seems to have focused more on their nightlife scene this semester, as evidenced by the recent Frat DJs parties and other events that have been held there. If they can carve out that niche and be less dependent on burgers for their revenue, they’ll be fine.”

constance.boozer@columbiaspectator.com