Paul McKeown started making burgers in 2016 and selling them at markets, and his reputation grew as a name to watch.

It soon became clear that burger-making was more than a hobby for the former science lab worker, and he began looking for a shopfront.

The local found the perfect venue on High St in a former chicken and chip shop, and the doors to Beefy’s Burgers opened in February.

With a black and red interior, a Marvel-themed counter and pop culture posters lining the wall, the ultra-cool look is matched with a menu focused on classic flavours made well.

The family-owned business uses strip sirloin steak blended in house for their gourmet patties and top them with fresh salads and homemade sauces, which include curry, special sauce and hot sauce in two heat levels — “original voltage” or “atomic facemelt”.

Sides include sweet potato scallops, nuggets and poutine, made with a peppery gravy and homemade cheese curd.

Limited edition shakes and burgers join the line-up of 11 mainstay burgers, which includes a gluten free, vegetarian and breakfast option.

“Our biggest selling burger is the classic,” McKeown said.

Shakes are popular too — McKeown’s favourite is the vanilla malt — along with American-imported soft drinks like Dr Pepper.

Along with burgers, Beefy’s is known for its love of music from its music-themed mural on its outer roller doors to monthly music-based competitions and tunes pumping out of the speakers from jazz to current chart-toppers and everything in between.

The restaurant recently celebrated their first anniversary and have amassed thousands of fans in that time, but McKeown is looking to the future.

“We came quite a long way in a year but we’ve still got a long way to go,” McKeown said.

“We’d like to grow the business and we’ve got a lot of competition so you can’t drop the ball.”