Fuddruckers

Fuddruckers makes its debut in the mall

"This is NOT fast food," warns a sign on the counter of the Fuddruckers Express in the Millcreek Mall's food court, just a 20-minute trip north on Edinboro Road.

The hungry customers wait eagerly for their service-staples of the popular food chain just introduced to this corner of the state. They might have to wait for several minutes, but they don't mind. At all.

Like the restaurant's motto states, "There are no shortcuts to perfection."

"It's worth the wait," described one such enthralled customer, who waited for his order with his friend.

"Everybody at my work likes it," he said. Word has been traveling fast around Erie County by mouth.

The Fuddruckers Express opened Monday, Oct. 26, after months of preparation. It is located right next to the Sbarro and China Max restaurants. It is the fifth restaurant to open its doors in the food court complex, which includes a Little Japan and a Subway.

Because of the fact it is an "express," it doesn't carry all the amenities of a full Fuddruckers chain restaurant.

The checkered pattern of the franchise, and the bright yellow lettering, make it a hard sight to miss.

Plus, there is hubbub surrounding it, with the people clutching receipts, waiting for their numbers to be called.

"My much-anticipated first bite was delicious. The meat was so fresh. You could tell it had just been cooked from high-grade beef," said Shanea Murphy, an Edinboro University student. "You could really tell they put time into it and it's not a fast past food place. It's fudruckin' delicious."

The express is a different breed than the more-established sit-down Fuddruckers' chain, however, which is based out of Texas and was born in the 1980s. Not all offerings seen on their Web site are available, and alcohol is not served.

You can get a Pepsi, milkshake (Crazy for Chocolate or Dreamy Vanilla, only two variants) or coffee, instead.

The drawing fare of Fuddruckers, however-the thing it bills itself for-is the burger. And what burgers there are, examining what's to be found on the menu, which hangs high above the counter.

Burgers can range from one-third, two-third, one-half or one pound, if you're feeling very "Man Vs. Food."

These can all be paired with "Fudd fries" and a drink to make it a combo meal. Also included in the combo options is the original chicken sandwich, for those that are not in the mood for red meat.

Something unique about Fuddruckers is the produce bar, at which the customer places his or her own toppings (i.e. lettuce and such) atop their order, as opposed to those working behind the counter.

You can also just order the sandwiches on their own. Sides are not limited just to Fudd fries-others are cole slaw, a fruit cup, sweet potato fries and soup (the soup of the day, when the Spectator stopped by was chicken).

Other entrees that can be ordered are "Dogzilla" (a one-half hot dog-living up to the name), fish'n'chips and a ribeye steak sandwich.

To satisfy any lingering sweet urges, there are fresh-made cookies as well.

For customers watching their waistlines, lighter options (which include a buffalo and a turkey burger) and salads (only two, though) are available.

And, yes, there is a kids' menu.

Fuddruckers claims to be the home of the "World's Greatest Burgers." It has branches in several states, besides its home state of Texas, where the chain was conceived in 1980 in San Antonio.

Since then, it's like wildfire to cities near and far. Fuddruckers can even be found in the Middle East. Erie? A natural progression.

This is the nearest Fuddruckers, Express or not, to be found in the region. Understandably, that's part of the draw.

Fuddruckers is not fast food and shouldn't have to be. It's something of a higher standard and, as said before, "worth the wait."

Fuddruckers operates during normal mall hours, Monday through Saturday 10 a.m to 9 p.m. and Sunday, 11 a.m to 6 p.m.

I hammed it up a little.