Hudson Valley burger chain TFS Burger Works is making its way down the river to Midtown East, according to a liquor license application filed with Manhattan Community Board 6.
Operated by Brendan Rogers, the upcoming TFS Burger Works will be located on 401 E 50th Street in a space formerly occupied by Kyan Grill & Juice Bar. Rogers, a first-time restaurant owner, says the corner space will feature an open kitchen with plenty of seating.
“It’s going to be a good space,” Rogers says. “You can come and spend time on a Saturday afternoon with your friends or family.”
TFS was founded by Stavros Galanis as an homage to The Market and Filling Station, an old gas station and hot dog stand built in 1929 on Route 9W in Palisades, N.Y. The station closed in 1991, but Galanis took over the space in 2011 and restored it, so it’s once again a place where people can find hospitality.
TFS now has two additional locations, one in Westwood, N.J. and one in West Haverstraw, N.Y., with additional locations on the way in Rutherford, N.J.; Williamsburg; and the upcoming Manhattan location.
TFS offers a hearty menu with options like hot dogs, fried chicken sandwiches and grilled cheeses. However, the star of the show is the burger, thick patties cooked to medium unless otherwise requested — sort of the platonic ideal of a burger. The Manhattan location will also feature a selection of local beer and wine.
According to Rogers, the restaurant is still in the build-out phase, aiming for a mid-March opening.
