Springfield's Boardwalk Gives Out Free Burgers Ahead of Grand Opening

Broadwalk Fresh Burgers and Fries has been giving out thousands of burgers the last two days in preparation for their grand opening tomorrow.

Lines wrapped past the new location, next to the Panera at Old Keene Mill Road and Rolling in Springfield, for the free burgers, which were served between  12-2 p.m. and 4-6 p.m. Monday and Tuesday. Chief Operating Officer Kert Gennings, who was on hand Tuesday for the free burger giveaway, said that the free burger promotion tends to give out 2,000 burgers a day, but said the Springfield location was getting more customers than they expected. Parking at the already popular shopping center was becoming scarce as cars fought for spots.

Customers still had to pay for other non-burger items on the menu, including chicken sandwiches, fries, drinks, shakes and funnel cake fries. The promotion built up anticipation for the full grand opening Wednesday, which will feature a 10 a.m. Ribbon Cutting Ceremony, free Rascal Flatts tickets, and face-painting. Country radio station 98.7 WMZQ will be broadcasting from the event.

The first 50 people in line at the location on Wednesday morning will get a coupon book that gets them a free burger every week for a year (veggie burgers are also available). Marketing Manager Rose DiFerdinando said that Boardwalk fans often camp out the night before in order to get the free deal. She said that police in the area, who are located a hop and a skip down the road at the West Springfield District Station, have been notified of the opening.

"They kind-of turn a blind eye when it's a grand opening," DiFerdinando said, adding that police get a uniform discount on purchases.

DiFerdinando was going up and down the line for free burgers today interviewing folks for the "Fry-Cam," a feature getting customers to try the fries and talk about what they think of them.

"They're in line for so long that we try to keep it fun and interactive," DiFerdinando said.

Gennings said that Boardwalk is unique because of its diverse menu.

"Some burger concepts, the only thing you really get is a burger," Gennings said, mentioning both chicken and vegetarian options, as well as the ability to customize your burger or go with a signature style, including Bacon Bleu, Mushroom Swiss or BBQ Bacon Cheddar.

Columbia, Md.-based Boardwalk Fresh Burgers and Fries is a branch of the 30-year-old Boardwalk Fries. Gennings said the Springfield location is the 10th store to launch, with 275 in development across the nation.

Boardwalk Burgers is on Twitter at @BWFreshBurgers and on Facebook at Boardwalk Fresh Burgers and Fries.

Boardwalk Fresh Burgers & Fries
6230T Rolling Road Springfield, VA, 22152
703-866-5901