New Franchisee Opens Wayback Burgers in Virginia

First-time Wayback Burgers franchisees Bhavini and Arjun Patel opened their first Wayback Burgers location in Woodbridge, Va., on June 25.

COVID Reopening vs Restaurant Opening

During this time, Virginia was in the middle of phase two of the pandemic reopening plan. Restaurants were only allowed to operate in-house dining at 50 percent capacity, with masks required while not consuming food.

“We did not have a formal grand opening ceremony,” said Arjun Patel. “Despite that, we had customers coming through our doors once we were open. Since opening six weeks ago, we have had great results with takeout.”

Online Ordering in Demand

From day 1, the Patels commented that most of the orders coming in are placed online. Most guests are utilizing the Wayback App, third-party delivery, online ordering system and takeout options.

At restaurants nationwide, mobile app usage is up to 64% from 51% since April.

Though Virginia has shifted to phase three reopening, the Woodbridge location is maintaining the 50 percent capacity restriction.

Virginia recently adopted the country’s first set of coronavirus-related workplace safety mandates, requiring businesses to implement safety measures to protect people from being infected with the coronavirus at work.

“Being a new franchisee, we were unsure about the process, especially during a pandemic,” said Arjun Patel. “The corporate team was very responsive, and that was a great help to us.”

Although the restaurant does not have pre-COVID numbers to compare, the location has seen a steady flow of guests since the first day.

“We’re so happy for Bhavini and Arjun Patel on the opening of their first Wayback Burgers franchise in Woodbridge, Virginia,” said Patrick Conlin, President of Wayback Burgers. “Through no fault of their own, they experienced many months of construction delays in getting the space delivered to them, but they persevered, only to have to face opening during the COVID-19 pandemic. If they gave out awards for patience, Bhavini and Arjun would get first place. In spite of all the obstacles thrown at them, their opening was a huge success, with lines out the door, and they did a fantastic job managing the overwhelming crowds. We’re very proud of them and happy for their success.”

Now Hiring

The biggest challenge Bhavini and Arjun have encountered since June is hiring new team members. With the location booming, more help is a necessity.

Founded in 1991, Wayback Burgers currently operates in 31 states with over 166 locations nationally and internationally.