The one-time architect of McDonald's Corp.'s Arch Deluxe is launching a new, high-end burger chain.
Edward Rensi, who led McDonald's U.S. business in the 1990s, and Tom Dentice, a former McDonald's executive vice-president, are aiming to tap into the fast-growing trend toward pricier hamburgers. The first Tom & Eddie's is scheduled to open at Yorktown Mall in Lombard next month. The duo hopes more locations will follow.
"We're putting everything into this," says Mr. Dentice, 71. "We have a lot of skin in this game."
Messrs. Rensi and Dentice spent the last year developing a menu featuring 100% Angus burgers with toppings such as fried egg, Gouda cheese and peppers. They've also developed burgers made with ahi tuna, turkey and edamame. Chicken sandwiches, beer, wine, milkshakes, salads and sweet potato fries are also on the menu.
It's a counter-service concept: Customers order at the cash register and the food is delivered to their table.
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Photo by Erik Unger, Crain's Chicago Business