Why Harlem Shake Stands Out Among Top Burger Chains
Top Burger Chains and the Unique Charm of Harlem Shake’s Nostalgic Appeal
The neighborhood burger joint is a staple of every community. It is a destination for first dates., or a heart-to-heart. It is a place to visit when the family is in from out of town. It’s a place where teenagers can go hang-out. It is a place where everyone at the table can find something on the menu they will devour. It was simple. At least it used to be.
The best hamburger chains know that the environment doesn’t have to be fancy, but it does need character. While top burger chains like Shake Shack, BurgerFi, and most recently Nations all have taken the modern minimalistic approach to decor. Others like Red Robin, Johnny Rockets and Harlem Shake have taken the nostalgic.
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Jelena Pasic, co-founder of Harlem Shake had this to say when asked if she modeled her new hamburger chain after any specific restaurants:
“Yes, we used Pan Pan’s, Lenox Lounge, M&J Diner, Paris Blues and St. Nick’s Pub, all of them are venerable Harlem food and music institutions that are unfortunately no longer open. But they were all classic diners and gathering spaces in Harlem during the second half of the 20th century. Some dating even back to the first half of the century. Those places showcased the true soul of Harlem. Which we are aiming to do in celebration of that heritage and in an attempt to preserve that culture.”
The character and charm of the build-out of this new hamburger chain is a tip of the cap to a time and a people worth celebrating. It has that old-school feel. Stainless steel countertops and the seats bolted to the ground with the round padded seat you see in movies where someone is posted up ordering a big milkshake. (fancy that) it has that big backlit letter board menu where each of the letters is placed individually to spell out the menu items. Nostalgia inspired the design of the Harlem Shake build-out and we will help you every step of the way during that process.
It is the history and culture our founder Jelena Pasic felt following her first visit to Harlem in 2003. Charmed by the warmth and enthusiasm of the neighborhood, she found herself returning again and again. Over the next several years she developed a plan for a dining experience that would pay homage to Harlem’s singular history and capture the spirit of the region––all realized through careful design, authentic décor, and an ongoing reciprocal relationship with the community.
In 2013 Harlem Shake was born and a new hamburger chain that has become a staple of the community was established.
Soul and Spirit: Embracing Harlem’s Vibrant Culture at Harlem Shake
Culture is also part of the recipe at Harlem Shake. The culture we celebrate encapsulates the vibrant, passionate, and creative spirit we try to emulate. If you listen closely, you can still hear the music of Duke Ellington, Ella Fitzgerald, Louis Armstrong, Ethel Waters, Cab Calloway and countless others echoing from the stage at The Cotton Club. It was in a small apartment at 501 Cathedral Parkway in Harlem where George and Ira Gershwin wrote “Rhapsody In Blue”. From Oscar Hammerstien ( I and II), to Al Pacino, all the way to Tupac Shakur and countless others, this borough of New York City has been the setting for the origin story of so many of our beloved American icons.
The signature wall of fame at Harlem Shake is a reminder of the days when celebrities from all walks of life would pour into this talent-kissed corner of the world to be inspired by the spirit that has given birth to so much beauty. Harlem Shake pays homage to the establishments that fed and nourished the incredible talent that walked the streets of Harlem, hungry for the destiny that awaited them. Just like our future franchisees are scouring the landscape, scoping out the top burger chains, and deciding which one is for them.
Our culture is about having lofty dreams, nurturing those dreams, learning from our experiences, growing and nurturing our franchise network, and providing the community that surrounds us. We provide a new hamburger chain that celebrates the history of hard work and the never-quit attitude that so many who hail from Harlem have ingrained in them. That is who we are and whom we are looking for in a franchisee.
Meaningful Connections: Harlem Shake Is Part Of The Community
It is not enough for us to be just another top burger chain. We want to foster and grow a network of franchisees who share a dedication to service in their community. Who are not afraid to walk outside our restaurant’s doors and participate in community events and happenings.
In 2013 we launched an event of our own. inspired by the dance craze of the same name, we decided to lean into it and create a community event that is reminiscent of the Harlem block parties of old. Music, dancing, and of course fashion.
Mr & Miss Harlem Shake
Every year, Harlem Shake allows our customers to decide who will be the new face of Harlem Shake through a yearly competition. In 2016 we started including men as well as women. Customers vote in-store to decide their favorite.
The winner receives:
FAME: their face on our Wall of Fame, Representing us in the African American Day Float, FORTUNE: a generous cash prize to both the winner and their favorite Harlem charity, and FEAST: a year of FREE burgers!
We are looking for franchisees who want to connect with their community. Be involved, and find ways to give back.
More Than A Top Burger Chain: Harlem Shake Connects Past & Present
Character, Culture, and Community are not all you need to succeed as a franchisee of any top burger chain franchise, but they are important ingredients that round out the recipe for success as an owner of a Harlem Shake.
The point is, that you have to be engaged in more than the operations. It has to be about more than what you can get in training. More than what you see in the build-out blueprints. More than even what you see when you when you first walk into the restaurant.
Our mouth-watering menu has been a staple in the community that would make even the most prolific culinary composer stop and look around for the source of what seems like aromatic artistry. That smell that fills the air of an entire community, like a beacon to burger lovers everywhere.
We have been inspired by the greatness who have walked the streets and filled the seats of our proud establishment, and we pay homage to those whose footsteps we follow. There is a soul to Harlem Shake we hope every franchisee will embrace and share with every guest who walks through the doors of their Harlem Shake.
If you are looking for a franchise that is more than simply a handbook and a spatula, If you are looking to invest in a brand that is rated among the top burger chains in NYC, and brings a sense of soul and purpose to everything we do. Driven by the values we hold dear and ready for you to bring all of it to your community. Drop us a line and LET’S GO!
Click Here To Schedule a call with our Franchise Consultant James Lloyd to learn more about owning a Harlem Shake in your community.
