Over the years, the brick building at the corner of North 2nd and South streets in Harrisburg has been many things, housing relatively short-lived businesses with names like “Egypt” “Mars” and “Buddha, Buddha.”
This history of impermanence may be daunting to some, but not for Nick Laus, who has started many restaurants in the region. Both Laus and business partner Milan Naramcic are confident that Burger Yum will transform that area into the little corner that could.
The décor consists largely of stainless steel, wood and corrugated metal, giving the establishment a decidedly industrial vibe, and an open kitchen allows customers to witness the caramelization technique that makes a Burger Yum burger so mouthwateringly delicious. The modern, no-frills space accommodates about 32 diners, with room for 20 more at brightly colored outside tables.
When I arrived at midday, customers were filtering in and placing their orders at the register after consulting the large chalkboard near the front that lists menu items. Some sat at a table and waited for to-go orders, while others decided to eat in and stay awhile. Naramcic said that business has been brisk since the grand opening in late May.
Restaurant Row regulars may recognize Naramcic, a former personal trainer, who previously worked for Laus at Level 2 and Café Fresco and now oversees operations at the business.
Naramcic took a seat at one of the tables in front of the restaurant to explain the origins of the concept, raising his voice a bit to compete with the Door’s “Soul Kitchen,” which played in the background.
“Nick has a house in Ft. Lauderdale, Fla., and there are places like these there which are very successful,” he said. “We were on the lookout for a trend that would work with the area demographic and discovered this one.”
A small, manageable menu, along with high-quality, fresh ingredients, allows the restaurant to turn out a superior product that is never frozen.
“We have no freezer,” Naramcic stressed.
Elyse Brubaker recently dined at Burger Yum and said she could tell that everything she ordered was fresh.
“The food was phenomenal,” said the Camp Hill resident. “The French fries were the best I’ve ever had, and the all-white-meat chicken sandwich was extremely moist and seasoned perfectly. The herb sauce made everything taste awesome.”
Nate Melton joins friends every Thursday at a different restaurant, and the group recently decided to give Burger Yum a try.
“The overall consensus is that we are in love with Burger Yum,” he said. “It was definitely the best chicken sandwich I’ve had in a very long time.”
Naramcic said that Brubaker and Melton aren’t alone in their enthusiasm for the sandwich, which is the second most popular item at the eatery.
Kim Little, who works in Paxtang, recently had the opportunity to try the food when her office made a lunch run.
“I tried the cheeseburger with YumSauce and it was delicious,” she said. “I loved that it was on a potato roll. The name fits!”
Craig Nye concurred.
“I had the regular hamburger with YumSauce, and it was served fresh in a white paper wrapping that made it easy to eat,” he said. “The fries were also very tasty.”
Nye said that Burger Yum reminds him of a Shake Shack he visited in King of Prussia and that he’s glad to have the option in Harrisburg.
“I intend to eat there on a regular basis,” said the Mechanicsburg resident.
In addition to the Burger Yum Classic, the BurgerYum cheeseburger and the Chicken Yum, the restaurant offers an all-day breakfast burger served with yellow American cheese, applewood smoked bacon, a fried egg and caramelized onions. Vegetarians will be pleased to learn that they, too, have an option with the “VeggieYum,” served with grilled portobello mushrooms and topped with goat cheese, caramelized onions, lettuce, tomato and YumSauce and served on a wheat roll. Diners also can opt for the combination “Two Yum Worlds,” a burger that comes with portobello mushrooms, lettuce, tomato and YumSauce.
Hot dogs are also available, along with a selection of Hershey’s ice cream and shakes. Other beverages include iced tea and soda and, for the adults, a selection of beer and wine.
Naramcic said he’s pleased with the popularity of the place so far and is happy to be at the helm.
“It’s gratifying to see people’s reactions, read the good reviews and hear the positive feedback,” he said. “ I think the quality of the product is so good that everybody loves it.”
Burger Yum is located at 400 N. 2nd St., Harrisburg. To learn more, call 717-727-7127 or visit www.burgeryum.com or their Facebook page.
