JACKSONVILLE, FL — Hard Pressed Burgers is preparing to open its first brick-and-mortar location at 1636 Hendricks Ave, Jacksonville, FL 32207. Co-owner Justin Paala told Business Debut the team does not have a set opening date yet but is targeting March, as build-out work continues.
Paala and co-owner Edward Evans launched Hard Pressed Burgers as a pop-up concept in late 2022, then expanded to two food trucks. The upcoming restaurant will be the brand’s first permanent home.
What to Expect
The Hendricks Avenue location is planned as a fast-casual neighborhood burger joint with indoor seating. Paala told Business Debut the team recently added bar-top and bar-window seating, with beer and wine service.
“It should be a cool neighborhood spot for everybody,” Paala told Business Debut.
Menu and Vision
The food trucks will keep their core menu focused on burgers and fries, with occasional specials. The brick-and-mortar menu will include the brand’s signature smash burgers, plus potential for new creative new varieties and dishes. “Being chefs is like a playground for us,” he told Business Debut. Paala said the team’s approach is to keep burgers simple while making key components in-house…