AUGUSTA — Elevation Burger, a chain featuring burgers made of organic, grass-fed beef ground on site, is expected to open a restaurant in mid-March at the Marketplace at Augusta.
Chris DiMillo, a co-owner of the new Augusta site, told Augusta city councilors Thursday it will open sometime around March 15.
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The burger, fries and shake restaurant will be in part of a 15,000 square-foot building at the Marketplace that already houses Chipotle Mexican Grill, Orange Leaf Frozen Yogurt and other relatively small retail businesses.
DiMillo said he believes Elevation Burger is the only chain in the country to offer 100 percent grass-fed, free-range organic beef burgers.
Its french fries aren’t organic but are fresh cut and cooked in olive oil.
“It’s healthy-ish, as healthy as you can get for a burger,” DiMillo told councilors after they asked if the restaurant would be a healthy alternative.
DiMillo is the son of the founder of DiMillo’s floating restaurant in Portland, Tony, though Chris said Thursday the two restaurants are different businesses.
He also owns the two locations of the franchise already open in the state, in Portland and South Portland, with partner Mark Caron.
He said they anticipate the Augusta site may be their busiest.
City councilors approved the business’ request for a malt liquor license, so it can serve bottled beer, and wished the business well.
“Welcome to Augusta,” Mayor David Rollins said. “We wish you the best of luck.”
DiMillo said the Maine restaurants are the first in the chain to serve beer.
Founder Hans Hess opened the first Elevation Burger in 2005 and began franchising in 2008, according to the chain’s website. The website says the company’s vision is to offer “authentic and sustainably prepared food that’s better for you and the environment.”
It has multiple locations on the East Coast, as well as in Middle East.
In addition to a variety of beef burgers, its menu also includes veggie and vegan burgers, grilled chicken and grilled cheese sandwiches, ice cream shakes, fries, salads, Mandarin oranges and cookies.
Keith Edwards — 621-5647
kedwards@centralmaine.com
Twitter: @kedwardskj
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