10 | BOROMAG.COM | APRIL 2015 BUSINESS Barebu rger Empire Story & Photos by Bradley Hawks Euripides Pelekanos is one of the most gentle, fun-loving, and charismatic guys you will ever meet. As he casually leans back on the brown leather couch in the back of his office on Vernon Boulevard, you would have no idea you are talking to the CEO of a corporation that has opened nearly two dozen restaurants within half a decade, and is now set to open its first location in Japan and launch its second restaurant concept just one avenue north of the store where it all began. Maintaining the magic of that very first location in each and every new restaurant that opens is one of the most nerve-racking challenges Pelekanos faces. “Our current expansion is pretty intense,” he laughs—with sixteen soon-to-be-opened locations presently in different stages of development and construction. “I was just at the restaurant in Toronto last week, and to walk into one of our restaurants 400 miles away in another country and it felt and it tasted like our restaurants in New York—I think that’s huge. Those are the moments when I think about Astoria—and I use to work in that kitchen—and sit back and think about all the nights that I couldn’t sleep—that’s how I know we are doing something right.” When asked about the businesses who have tried to compete even within a few blocks of their original location—Eco Table and Burger Bistro have both since closed—Pelekanos explains, “In one respect, on the business side I think I can’t believe someone is copying our menu and ideas, but on the other hand I think, but I want people to serve food and open up restaurants in this manner. But there is a lot more that goes into running this company than just putting a burger in front of somebody.” Chris Crouch, co-owner of the new Long Island City location, recalls the two days they interviewed the bulk of their applicants. “The people on that first day were so incredible, and I believe it is because they came not just because they wanted a job—they were already fans of the company.” He shared that he hired a surplus amount of individuals anticipating a few might eventually be sifted out, “but it just didn’t happen—they were all great.” Perhaps the greatest ingredient in their recipe of success is the culture they foster—and the confidence that trickles down from the top. “We are getting ready to launch our second concept, and one guy asked me if I was sure I wanted it to be associated with Bareburger—what if it failed? And I said, that’s f**king impossible—it’s not going to fail. The people who are behind it are just too good.” The new concept will open this summer in the space previously occupied by Athens Café. While the team is still tight-lipped, Pelekanos offered, “it will be Southern Hospitality, but local, fresh, fun, hip, farm-to-table, with a local flavor to it. I grew up in this neighborhood, so to have the opportunity to take over that lease— that was an iconic space in Astoria.” Pelekanos seems to be an expert on iconic spaces, and exhibits faith this new venture will be no exception. “That was the best place to hang out,” he fondly remembers. Now a whole new generation will be able to say the same thing about the new restaurant, because if history repeats itself, a new success story is about to be born. 33-21 31st Ave, Astoria 23-01 31st St, Astoria 48-19 Vernon Blvd., Long Island City www.ba reburger.com The
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