Recently, I had a wonderful experience at Hwy55 Burgers, Shakes & Fries, a really cool retro-themed restaurant known for their tasty burgers, mouth-watering cheesesteaks, and delicious frozen custard.
While I was there, I was informed about the Hwy55 Charitable Foundation, which really left a mark on me. This awesome charity started from a humble golf tournament for community fundraising, which I believe speaks volumes about the company’s dedication to giving back. Now it has evolved into a yearly tradition that has mushroomed to raise almost $2 million! The magnanimity continued as I discovered that each November, the foundation carefully dips into these funds to offer grant donations to various causes.
For more juicy details about this awesome place, have a look at their website here.
Where can you find a Hwy55?
Before I visited, I wondered: "Are there any other Hwy55 joints outside the U.S?" Turns out I’m not alone. Currently, the U.S. is the only place you can find the deliciousness of Hwy55. The franchise is predominantly located in its home state of North Carolina, but it has also branched out to a fair number of states:
- North Carolina
- South Carolina
- Tennessee
- Georgia
- Texas
- Montana
- Ohio
- Virginia
- West Virginia
Unique Aspects of Hwy55
While relishing my burger, I also noted the very distinct experience provided by Hwy55’s open kitchen. It’s not often you get to see your food being cooked in real time. But what really stood out was the easy, friendly banter between the staff and the customers. It truly added a wholesome touch to the whole dining experience.
Trying Spicy Foods?
If you have a penchant for a little extra heat in your food, Hwy55 does offer some spicy options. However, they’re really subtle about it so anybody can enjoy their menu without worrying about unexpected fires on their tongues! The wait staff and chefs were really helpful when it came to explaining different menu items, which I found to be an extra thoughtful touch.
Since its birth in the early 1990s, Hwy55 has been serving up classic American favorites like burgers and cheesesteaks served on steamed hoagies. Along with the primary courses, they offer a choice of drink and fries or tater tots. I had a hard time deciding what to order, with all these tempting options:
- Shrimp Platter
- Chopped Steak Platter
- Grilled Chicken Basket
- Fried Chicken Basket
- Shrimp Burger
- Shrimp Po’Boy
- Grilled Chicken Tender Sandwich
- Fried Chicken Tender Sandwich
- John Boy & Billy Grilled Chicken Sandwich
- John Boy & Billy Fried Chicken Sandwich
- Grilled Cheese
- Hot Dog
On top of that, there’s also a variety of customizable salads, and several frozen custard selections with your choice of toppings. The hardest decision was whether to have it in scoops, sundaes, banana splits, floats, and shakes or blended with a topping!
Ordering Food at Hwy55
The ordering process at Hwy55 was refreshingly straightforward. Upon walking in, I was greeted with warmth and led to a table. The waiter took my order and relayed it to the open kitchen, and I could easily watch them whipping up my meal. Paying after the meal was a breeze as well. The convenience extends to pickup orders too! You can call the restaurant or place an order through their website or app.
Veggie Eaters at Hwy55
My vegetarian friends wondered about the veggie options. Well, I must admit, veggie lovers might find their choices limited here as the main focus of this joint is their great quality meat products. However, the Grilled Cheese could be an interesting choice for vegetarians, along with fries, tater tots, and their frozen custard.
Vegan Choices at Hwy55
Although the restaurant does have fries and tater tots, these might not be suitable for vegans as they are likely fried in the same oil as non-vegan items. Unfortunately, vegan options are limited here.
The Young Turks of Hwy55
The charm of Hwy55 extends to its “young adult” guests also. They have a special menu for kids aged 12 and under. The best part? The meal gets to be served in a classic cutout model car that the kiddos can take home. Alternatively, they can choose to have a scoop of frozen custard! The options on the children’s menu include:
- Cheeseburger
- Grilled Cheese
- Chicken Tenders
- Hot Dog
- Shrimp Burger
Looking to visit Hwy55?
So, is your mouth watering yet? The good news is that Hwy55 opens it doors at 11:00am across all locations. More leisurely folks will be glad to hear that they remain open until around 9:00pm. Remember to check your local Hwy55 for specifics, as hours may vary.
Home Delivery from Hwy55
Too tired to go out or looking to enjoy some delicious food from the comfort of your living room? Well, you are in luck! Hwy55 offers a nifty delivery option through a partnership with GrubHub. Now, that burger isn't too far away.
Looking to Stay Healthy at Hwy55?
Now an essential question: Can Hwy55 be a fit in a healthy lifestyle? Well, with moderation and wise choices, it sure can. But remember, the franchise specializes in burgers and cheesesteaks and other extras, so some of their offerings may lean towards the unhealthy side.
Your Own Hwy55 at Home?
Lastly, for those who like cooking at home, unfortunately, Hwy55 doesn’t sell any cooking kits or grocery items. So, a visit to the restaurant is really the only way to taste their unique offerings.
Pros
- Wide variety of burger and cheesesteak options
- Helpful and friendly staff
- Open kitchen lets you see food preparation
- Excellent charity foundation work
Cons
- Could offer more vegetarian and vegan options
- Healthier options can be limited
- No option for cooking their meals at home