Selecting Mount Kisco for its first foray into New York, BGR The Burger Joint recently opened its doors—bringing its eclectic burger choices, 50s- style décor and rock and roll music soundtrack to town.

The chain, currently with 13 locations, is known for its all natural, hormone-free, grain-fed beef and brioche buns. Just as important is BGR’s commitment to the communities they serve. In Mount Kisco, the restaurant is partnering with area elementary schools in its BGR Rocks program, which awards academic or athletic excellence with free kids’ meals for a month.

The store will also be partnering with Fox Lane High School in Bedford where during a particular day and certain hours, ten percent of sales will be donated to the school.

Franchise owners Luigi Olinto of Somers and Dr. Stephen Nicholas of Scarsdale are at the helm in Mount Kisco. Olinto, a New York City police lieutenant, was looking for restaurant opportunities and came across the BGR model.

“The atmosphere in the restaurants reminded me of a backyard barbecue and I thought this was a great fit for Westchester,” he says. He especially likes the personal touches the restaurants put in place—in honor of the first New York store, the Mount Kisco location is featuring a Buffalo Burger as the Burger of the Month.

“And as franchise owners we’re in the store, engaging customers.  We just don’t ask if everything is okay, but that we talk to them about what they ordered and we welcome feedback,” added Olinto.

BGR was founded by Mark Bucher, who said they took the craveable food and "elevated it.” The burgers at the restaurant start at $7.99 for the basic and top out at $79.99 for the “9 lb’er” a hamburger that feeds 10-15 and needs to be ordered 24 hours in advance. There are veggie burgers, turkey burgers, lobster burgers in season and a host of toppings. For the kids (and grown-ups) there are milkshakes and for the adults there is wine and beer.  

The Mount Kisco store has 33 seats inside and there is also some outdoor seating. Bucher says that Mount Kisco, with its vibrant retail mix and neighborhood communities like Bedford and Katonah to draw upon, presented a great opportunity to move into New York State. “We think the area will welcome our high quality food at reasonable prices,” he said.

The new burger restaurant is located at 20 South Moger Ave. in Mt. Kisco. Phone: 914-864-2151.