We’ve focused solely on the breweries and brew pubs along Florida’s Emerald Coast thus far so, I think it’s about time we shine a spotlight on one of the incredible local restaurants that feed it.

The Burger Factory, located at 314 South Navy Blvd in Pensacola, Florida is a local hotspot for delicious, specialty burgers. Their current menu offers 12 distinctive, juicy burgers as well as the option to create your own Frankenburger! That’s what I call it anyway. Even if you’re not in the mood for a burger, they offer a delicious array of sandwiches made with Boar’s Head meat and salads to get you in the mood to stay. There are even items not listed, but available upon request. Shhh, the secret burger society will let you in on a little secret…order The Fat Elvis. Uh-oh I’ve said too much, it’s time to move on.

We had the pleasure of sitting with owners Scott and Wendy to talk about what has made this 8 month old burger factory such a huge success among locals.

The Burgers Factory’s doors opened in September of 2015 but the ideas behind it spawned long before in response to Scott’s disillusionment with corporate, chain restaurants. He enjoyed the environment it created for colleagues and customers alike, but when the environment became stifling under corporate management, he took a great leap of faith and set out to open his own place with the unbending support of this loving wife.

He was raised in a traditional Italian home and practically grew up in the kitchen where his mother made meals for her family from scratch. He proudly carries on this legacy in The Burger Factory. Nearly every item on the menu is made in house using his own, time-perfected recipes.

Crowd favorites, like Scott’s favorite menu item, The Factory Dip are entrees he would make and eat at home. Made with London Broil and dipped in house-made Au Jus, I’m surprised we ever left the restaurant to write this!

Other crowd favorites, like Wendy’s choice, the Chipotle Gouda and the Lite Em Up burgers bite back with toppings like spicy jalapenos and tangy Sriracha mayo.

Don’t even get me started on the fork and napkin required Texas Chili Burger. Vermont cheddar, onions, jalapenos, and homemade chili, it’s more than a mouthful and you’ll still try to cram in more.

You can view the full menu here.

Creativity is not only welcome, but encouraged in The Burger Factory kitchen. The winner of the first annual Burger Factory competition created The Samoan, which combines an 8oz marinated patty topped with glazed pineapple, house-made roasted garlic mayo, bacon, Swiss cheese, and onion rings. Keep an eye out for more specials that spotlight the creativity behind the scenes.

They also support local vendors and events. Each burger and sandwich is

complimented with freshly baked bread from the locally owned and operated Bread of Life Bakery and the vegetables used in every entree come from Flora Bama Farms. They’ve recently added award winning, artisan cheesecakes from locally owned Chrisoula’s Cheesecake Shoppe and Cafe to round out their savory meals. To our craft beer enthusiasts, they may not serve a brew to go with your chew, but they do not lack flavorful drink options to compliment your meal. Old fashioned sodas like Hank’s Gourmet Sodas, Bulldog Rootbeer, and even Flying Cauldron Butter Beer are available to liven up your already exciting plate. Here’s another exclusive, word on the street is Old Fashioned Milkshakes made with fresh fruit are in the works to hit the menu soon!

It seems as they continue to grow, they add local talent to strengthen their establishment. Strong support from the military community around the corner have helped spur their growth from being open during lunch hours only to expanding their hours of operation to meet the demand for their food. Scott and Wendy have shown reciprocal support and gratitude for their service by showcasing personal military memorabilia of their family’s dedication and service to our country and set a special Table of Honor just inside the doors to commemorate the sacrifices of our servicemen and women.

This family owned restaurant has expanded their family to include the local community and it is apparent in the carefully crafted meals that hit our plates. Word of mouth around here is, this is the place to get your burger fix. I’m not surprised to see what’s next for The Burger Factory.

On the Horizon

A second Burger Factory is already in the planning stages and expected to open in the Pensacola area before the end of the year! Stay tuned for more exciting news and events for The Burger Factory at TheBurgerFactory.net.