A PORT FAIRY couple known for their background as restaurateurs have opened the town's first standalone burger store.
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Ryan and Kirstyn Sessions opened Randy's Burgers this week after making a simple and modern renovation to the former Bank Street site of Madagalli, a pizzeria that had operated there for 18 years.
The move was a shift from fine dining to fast food for the couple after Mr Sessions won 16 Good Food Guide hats for various Port Fairy ventures. The couple previously owned the town's Merrijig Inn from 2006-2011 and fine dining restaurant Fen until last year.
"We always wanted to do something fast foodie in the cheap bracket," Mr Sessions said. "It's a bit of a learning curve for us, even though we've been in the industry and been successful in the fine dining side of things, this is completely different."
Mr Sessions said his goal was to master a burger's simplicity and affordability.
"Simplicity is the hardest thing to get right when it comes to food," he said. "We want a lot of people through the door, and we want to appeal to everyone."
Mr Sessions said the venture was challenging him.
"Fine dining you can have more control and this is more flying by the seat of your pants, you get in there and go hammer and tong and walk away a lot earlier," he said.
"It's about putting the processes in place and establishing a well run and a consistent kitchen where everything is going to be the same and put out nice and quick."
The store's name harks back to a nickname Mr Sessions had when he was younger and also references the American-style cuisine.
The nine burgers offered have patties made in house that are served on locally sourced brioche buns.
Stocks have sold out every day so far and Mr Sessions said a simple cheese burger with wagyu beef was the chef's pick.
The couple plan to work at the store for the foreseeable future and continue to play a hands-on role.
It's open for lunch from 12.30pm to 2pm and 6pm until sold out.
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