There's a new player in the city's burger wars, and many restaurant patrons will recognize the name.
Nick LaVecchia of LaVecchia's Seafood Grille in Uptown and Old Stone Steakhouse in Belmont plans to open Nix Burger & Brew with partners in mid-October at Fifth and Tryon streets next to the Capital Grille.
LaVecchia hopes to cash in on the trend with what he calls a “polished casual” concept, emphasizing quality, service and interior design.
Food industry experts say higher-class burger boutiques typically focus on freshness and quality to distinguish themselves from fast food's Big Three – McDonald's, Burger King and Wendy's.
LaVecchia said Nix will flame grill only USDA Prime beef and offer 20 kinds of burgers, including turkey, bison, chicken and veggie, priced mainly from $7.95 to $8.95.
One exception: The Charlotte Late Night Burger at $9.95 comes stacked with a fried egg, bacon, chili and homemade pimento cheese.
Competition among dressed-up burger purveyors is intensifying in Charlotte with such restaurants as Big Daddy's Burger Bar in Dilworth and The Counter in SouthPark.
LaVecchia said Nix, with 80 booth seats inside and 16 seats outside, aims to distinguish itself with two bars, painted metal walls featuring hex bolt accents, hardwood floors and flat-panel TVs.
Nix will serve lunch and dinner daily. LaVecchia said he's working out details to deliver orders to Uptown customers.
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