In the seaside resort town of Blackpool, England, Chris Higgitt has achieved what many in the food industry might consider impossible: keeping the price of his signature burger at just £1, or approximately $1.34, since 2006. This remarkable feat has turned Higgitt’s Las Vegas Arcade Blackpool & £1 Burger Bar into a local sensation, attracting long lines of eager customers, especially during the bustling tourist season.
A Business Built on Affordability
Higgitt, 58, who previously worked as a processing and quality engineer, ventured into the burger business after running a bed-and-breakfast with his wife, Karen. The couple purchased an arcade in 2006, which wasn’t performing well, prompting them to brainstorm new business ideas. The concept of a burger bar emerged from a casual conversation, and after crunching the numbers, Higgitt realized he could offer burgers at the low price of £1.
The burger, consisting of a bun, an English beef patty, onions, and sauce, has become more popular than ever. Higgitt notes that customers are willing to wait over an hour to enjoy what many describe as Britain’s cheapest burger. Today, about 90% of Higgitt’s revenue comes from the burger operation, which runs seven days a week from March through November.
Efficiency and Social Media: Keys to Success
Higgitt attributes his ability to maintain low prices to a combination of efficiency, bulk purchasing, and the power of social media. By buying ingredients in bulk, he keeps production costs around 50 pence, or roughly 68 cents, per burger. This strategy, coupled with a steady stream of customers, ensures the business remains profitable.
Social media has played a significant role in driving traffic to the burger stand. Videos posted by TikTok creators and YouTubers have brought new visitors eager to try the affordable burger. Higgitt welcomes these social media influencers, as their content helps spread the word and create a buzz around the business.
In addition to burgers, the stand offers hot dogs, Spam sandwiches, and sausage sandwiches, catering to a variety of tastes. Higgitt’s story is a testament to the power of innovation and community engagement in sustaining a small business in today’s challenging economic climate.
Original reporting: Fox News (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
