Ottawa-based cult chain The Works sets out to become the Second Cup of burgers
The Works, the popular chain of gourmet burger joints that started in Ottawa in 2001, has announced a downright Manifest Destiny–like plan for national expansion: 50 new locations across the country. The chain already has locations in London, Kingston, Ottawa, Guelph and Oakville, and three others under construction—including one on the Danforth set to open in May. It’s an impressive spread for the company, which, by its own admission, developed “a cult-like following among burger connoisseurs in Ottawa.” Among those connoisseurs: Bank of Canada governor Mark Carney, not to mention former Montana’s president Andy O’Brien, who took over The Works last year along with two of his vice-presidents. Michael Bregman, the former owner of Second Cup, is one of the company’s new directors, which suggests The Works might soon be the Little Burger Place That Could.
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[caption id="attachment_114986" align="alignleft" width="320" caption="(Image: The Works)"][/caption]
The Works, the popular chain of gourmet burger joints that started in Ottawa in 2001, has announced a downright Manifest Destiny–like plan for national expansion: 50 new locations across the country. The chain already has locations in London, Kingston, Ottawa, Guelph and Oakville, and three others under construction—including one on the Danforth set to open in May. It’s an impressive spread for the company, which, by its own admission, developed “a cult-like following among burger connoisseurs in Ottawa.” Among those connoisseurs: Bank of Canada governor Mark Carney, not to mention former Montana’s president Andy O’Brien, who took over The Works last year along with two of his vice-presidents. Michael Bregman, the former owner of Second Cup, is one of the company’s new directors, which suggests The Works might soon be the Little Burger Place That Could.
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Exactly what TO needs, another burger place. They should branch out and try something else, like cupcakes. Oh wait…
burgers = boring… NEXT!
Oh please, shut the hell up. If its well-made and delicious then its not trendy. Burgers are classics, unfortunately for The Works people in Toronto are starting to realize what makes a good burger. And its not untoasted sesame buns, unmelted cheddar cheese, and a boatload of toppings to mask a way too big burger patty most probably made of regular old hamburger and cooked past medium rare.
Holy Chuck and Burger’s Priest shall not break a sweat over this.
no you shut up
Children, children! Now both of you go to your rooms for a time out!
Sorry, not impressed. W Burger Bar on College St is much much better. Sorry kids.
LOL
W Burger Bar, eh?
Trouble with all these burger joints is their out to impress with overly complicated burgers that are also ridiculously priced. I’ve eaten at many U.S. burger joints and you could eat for half the price and it tastes twice as good without all the fluff. If you want a good burger at good price, go find a South St. Burger Co. joint near you.
So much ignorance in the comments. The Works is by far my favorite burger joint, I eat there every time I am in the Ottawa area. I would love if they opened up in Toronto, and knowing how great the atmosphere and experience is at these places I know it would do well.
I’ve been to the Works in Ottawa (Glebe location) and was not impressed. Not only is there always a line-up but once you finally get a table the food takes long (they say each burger takes 20 min because each order is made fresh – ya right) then you get crappy food that tastes like processed any chain pub food (rampant in Ottawa btw). The only thing somewhat decent were the chips. I would be surprised if it does well in Toronto – maybe if they are located in the Eaton Centre.