Bagger Dave's Debuts in East Lansing September 18, 2011

Bagger Dave’s Legendary Burger Tavern, a unique, full-service, ultra-casual restaurant and bar, will open a new location at 1351 East Grand River in East Lansing. The grand opening will be on Sunday, Sept. 18 at 11 a.m. The celebration will follow a VIP party on Friday, Sept. 16 and a “Family and Friends Day” on Saturday, Sept. 17.

The East Lansing restaurant will be the fifth Bagger Dave’s location in Michigan. Other locations include Ann Arbor, Berkley, Brighton and Novi. A new location in Grand Rapids will be opening in the near future. Like the other locations, the East Lansing Bagger Dave’s will offer a warm, welcoming neighborhood atmosphere and memorable guest service. The restaurant, which features full table service and a bar serving local craft beers and wine, will dish up fresh, never-frozen, premium beef-blend burgers on three different types of buns with more than 30 toppings to choose from, letting patrons create their own legendary beef, all-natural ground turkey, or veggie black bean burgers.

As every Bagger Dave’s restaurant is a reflection of the town it serves, the new location’s décor will feature historical photos depicting East Lansing’s past, including photos from Michigan State University.

Michael Ansley founded Bagger Dave’s in 2008. In addition to its five company-owned restaurants in Michigan, the company launched a franchise program in 2009 and is targeting Michigan, Ohio, Indiana, Wisconsin, Kentucky and Illinois for growth. Plans call for opening three Bagger Dave’s locations in 2011 and a total of up to 24 new locations over the next five years either corporately owned or franchised.

Bagger Dave’s has identified a niche in the burger business with a modern interpretation of the old-fashioned neighborhood bar. The burgers are fresh, never frozen, and guests can choose from 30 Meaningless Free Toppings® to create their own “legend,” including six cheese choices, three types of buns, six house-made sauces and more. The menu also features fresh-cut potato French fries using a Belgian fry process, Dave’s Sweet Potato Chips®, Amazingly Delicious Turkey Black Bean Chili® and Sloppy Dave’s BBQ®, as well as sandwiches, salads and hand-dipped milkshakes. Guests can also enjoy a glass of wine or a wide selection of local craft beers from Michigan breweries.

Atmosphere is equally important at Bagger Dave’s. The restaurants are inviting for adults and kids alike, with localized décor of the town’s historical past displayed throughout, a bar and even an electric train that runs above the dining room and bar areas.