Aberdeen pizza specialist Big Mannys’ is vying for the city’s comfort food crown with the launch of a California-style burger joint.
The new venture, called Big Mannys’ Burgers, rolls out to customers at The Adams bar, the Holburn Street seat of Big Mannys’ empire.
Sit-down orders are available now, while the burgers should be available for delivery from The Adams over the weekend. Big Mannys’ Pittodrie outlet will take orders within the next few weeks.
Like Big Mannys’ giant US-style loaded pizza’s, the burgers look set to be a mouthful for hungry Aberdonians. Big Mannys’ Burgers makes West Coast-style smash burgers, so called because they are smashed down on to the hot plate for cooking.
The action gives the burgers that US diner-style flavour and appearance. Prices start from £10.95, and each burger comes with fries.
A vegan version made with Beyond Meat will also be available.
Burger wars as Big Mannys’ claims Aberdeen’s best
Along with the expansion, Big Mannys’ owners have thrown down the gauntlet to rivals with the claim their burgers are the best in the city.
Phil Adams, who co-owns Big Mannys’ with his brother Ashley and friend Calum Wright, says the burgers use the best beef – from Aberdeen’s Tilly Butcher – and highest-quality buns.
“We managed to essentially conquer the the pizza market and we’re thinking about doing the same with the burger market,” Phil says.
The challenge could create beef between Big Mannys’ and Aberdeen’s other burger makers within a highly competitive – and successful – fast-food scene in the city.
Aberdam – the city centre takeaway that specialises in dirty burgers and loaded fries – recently announced an expansion to Glasgow. Earlier this year, local chef Graham Mitchell opened the Hungry Beast food truck on the beach front.
Big Mannys’ changes up pizza menu to combat cost-of-living crisis
Meanwhile, Big Mannys’ has launched a menu revamp that has made some of their pizza deals cheaper.
As many restaurants raise prices on the back of increased energy and staffing costs, Big Mannys’ is offering two nine-inch pizzas with the second priced at just £1. A second 14-inch pizza will cost £2 and a second 18-inch will be £3.
Meanwhile, two 14-inch pizzas can be yours for £25.
“That’s less than a pound an inch,” Phil points out.
He adds: “We’re very conscious of what’s happening in the country just now, so we are trying to make sure that as many people as possible get a chance to try our product.”
Big Mannys’ has gone from strength to strength since launching in October 2020 from The Adams bar.
In January, the company opened a takeaway and collection point near Pittodrie Stadium and a few months later launched a 120-seater venue at Codona’s Amusement Park.
It also has exclusive agreements to deliver pizzas to venues including The College Bar, The Blue Lamp, The Queen Vic, The Kings Bar, The Crown Bar and The Fountain Bar.
Big Mannys’ Burgers is a separate entity to the pizza division and has meant an overhaul of the kitchens at Holburn Sreet and Pittodrie.
“The equipment we had before was only a conveyer oven,”, Phil says. “So this has been a further investment from us.”
To order from the new Big Mannys’ menu, click here.
Conversation