CHICAGO, July 11 (UPI) -- Two fast-food old-timers are getting back into the hamburger business, starting with one restaurant in the Chicago area and visions of grander things.
These aren't just any old burger-slingers. They are Edward Rensi, who ran McDonald's U.S. behemoth operations in the 1990s, and Tom Dentice, a former McDonald's executive vice president. Their first Tom & Eddie's is to open its doors at Yorktown Mall in the Chicago suburb of Lombard next month. The idea is to turn the upscale burger restaurant into a franchise operation, Crain's Chicago Business reports in an article for its Monday edition.
"We're putting everything into this," Dentice, 71, said. "We have a lot of skin in this game."
They're not talking dollar value deals. A burger and aside will go for about $10. There will be 100 percent Angus burgers. Instead of the usual cheese, bacon, lettuce and tomato toppings, Tom & Eddie's will offer fried egg, Gouda and peppers. The business newspaper says the menu also will include burgers made with ahi tuna, turkey and edamame. Tired of soda fountain drinks? They'll get you a beer or glass of wine.
No full wait service, though: You order at the counter and the food is delivered to your table.
Crain's says Tom & Eddie's will be taking on more established upscale burger joints such as Denver-born Smashburger.
Rensi, 65, says they're not worried about competition. He and his partner see the "better burger" category growing from a $6 billion-a-year market to $30 billion.
"Hamburgers are what we know," Rensi said.
