Construction is underway on another location of the successful Cheese Curds and Habaneros restaurants.
The new 6,000 square foot location at 600 Windmill Road will house both restaurants and will accommodate about 120 people, said owner Bill Pratt.
"We are doing the dry wall now, so we should be open in four to six weeks," he said. "Wish I could give a more definitive date, but when you are dealing with construction you never know."
The signs are up at the Windmill Road location, though, and Pratt says he is still shocked at the success of his operations since Cheese Curds opened in February 2012.
Habeneros followed about four months later, opening just a few doors down in the same strip mall in Woodside.
At that time Pratt said he was overwhelmed and humbled with the support from customers.
"It has been just amazing, it is way beyond what I thought would happen. On our first day we served 384 people and we have had days where we have even had over 600 customers at Cheese Curds."
What Pratt had hoped would happen would be a great appreciation for his homemade burgers, 50-plus toppings, hand cut fries and poutine.
He just didn't think it would happen so fast.
Pratt's original business plan called for 250 customers a day in his 24-seat dining room.
He said his goal is to look after people.
"I am retired from the military. Opening these restaurants is fun for me. I am on a different journey than many restaurant owners."
Pratt says offering fresh ingredients and hiring wonderful staff is key to the success of his restaurants.
"I offer incentives to employees,offer good salaries, promote line cooks to sous chef positions and hire staff from the local learning center. It all helps to create a happy atmosphere to work and to visit. And everybody, including the dish washers share the tips."
In addition to the burgers and poutine offered at Cheese Curds Pratt has put a lot of effort into Habaneros Modern Taco Bar.
"It is not traditional Mexican food. There is a modern twist on classic favourites. Like pulled pork, butter chicken burrito bows, fusion flavoured sour creams and even lobster meat."
Pratt says he has seen great support at his Woodside locations and sees the same for Burnside.
"What we are doing is working our way to Halifax. But we are not there yet. I have had serious offers from people to open in Moncton, Charlottetown and Truro. But I want to get these local ones up and running. It is important to take care of things near home first."
He said they were broken into in Woodside, but the HRM police did a great job.
"I told them the police dog now can eat free burritos here for the rest of his life. I am grateful for all support."
