Kissimmee

Back Yard Burgers Opening in Kissimmee

Did someone say rooftop dining?

Image from Back Yard Burgers' website

KISSIMMEE, FL – Back Yard Burgers plans to open a new standalone restaurant at 8430 W Irlo Bronson Memorial Hwy, Kissimmee, FL 34742, franchisee Corey Balzer told Business Debut in a phone interview.

Balzer said the location is about three weeks from final building review and a certificate of occupancy, with staff training to follow.

Back Yard Burgers centers on burgers cooked over an open flame. “We cook on the same grill that you have in your backyard, except it’s 6 feet,” Balzer told Business Debut. He said the restaurant uses a one-third pound 100 percent Black Angus patty for a thicker burger.

Balzer said the Kissimmee restaurant will carry a streamlined version of the brand’s menu. He plans to focus on top sellers such as the Southwest Burger, Bacon Cheddar burger, the Black and Bleu burger and several grilled and crispy chicken sandwiches.

Balzer highlighted a crispy chicken item developed over the last year and a half using sous vide cooking. The chicken is seasoned in a style similar to Nashville hot, then flash fried for about two minutes. He said the process keeps the breading lighter and the portion at about 299 calories.

The Kissimmee Back Yard Burgers is a new-build prototype with rooftop seating designed to feel like a residential yard. The roof area will feature artificial grass, picnic tables and trees to mirror a backyard environment, Balzer reported.

Guests will have multiple ways to order. There will be a drive-thru, self-serve kiosks and a walk-up window for customers who prefer to order directly with a staff member.

Ownership Background

Backyard Burger began about 30 years ago in Tennessee.

Balzer is the franchisee for the Central Florida area. He operates an existing Back Yard Burgers in Altamonte Springs, which was built in 1993. “I bought it 10 years ago,” Balzer said. This Kissimmee site will be his second Back Yard Burgers.

Balzer previously owned Planet Smoothie locations and said he has been in the restaurant business for a long time.

Opening Timeline

Balzer said final building review is scheduled and one more building inspection is expected. He has hired about 45 employees and is targeting training to begin within the next week, followed by roughly two weeks of training and test service.

The Back Yard Burgers team is targeting a public opening in about three weeks, Balzer told Business Debut.