Teen Restaurateurs Launch 'Burgerwood' in Englewood

While most of their classmate’s were heading off to college last summer, the three teenaged owners of Englewood’s new Hollywood-themed burger restaurant, Burgerwood, were busy preparing for the restaurant’s opening last month. 

Burgerwood specializes in eight-ounce chicken, beef and black bean burgers cooked to the customer’s preferred temperature. 

In addition to burgers, their menu includes appetizers, fries, salads, milkshakes, desserts, and the option to stuff or create your own burger.  When creating your own burger, customers can choose between six different cheeses, 13 toppings and nine sauces. A full bar is also in the works. 

“Ever since high school I’ve been interested in business and making money,” said Alexander Bittan, 19, one of Burgerwood’s co-owners and an Englewood native. When the time came to start looking into post graduation plans, Bittan decided to enter the restaurant world instead of college.

“No place around here has good burgers,” said Bittan. “If I want a good burger I go to New York,” he said. 

Bittan was joined by his business partners, Jamie Bensadigh, 19, from Beverly Hills, who moved to the area after high school to shadow his uncle who owns nearby Hummus Elite, also on Palisades Avenue, and Daniel Zaytsev, 18, of Cresskill.

Like Bensadigh, lifelong friends Bittan and Zaytsev are no strangers to the restaurant world. Bittan’s father, Michel Bittan, is the owner of two restaurants also located on Palisades Avenue, Solaia and Caprizza Bistro.

“Everybody likes burgers,” said Bittan in response to why the trio decided on opening a burger restaurant.  “We have something here for everyone.”

Burgerwood filled every table for their grand opening party, according to Bittan. Those in attendance were able to try out Burgerwood’s menu, listen to live music, and celebrate Englewood’s only burger-exclusive restaurant.  

Burgerwood is open seven days a week, from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. on weekdays and 11 a.m. till 11 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays.  

For more information, visit www.burgerwoodnj.com

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