The latest location for top-rated cheesesteak and burger spot Gouldsburger’s is coming to Cross Keys Road in Sicklerville, and the team has set an opening date for later this month. (Read on for details)
Marilyn at South Jersey Food Scene had the story online first yesterday, and I stopped in for a preview!
Originally founded just two years ago in Haddonfield, Gouldsburger’s already has 5 locations open with more to come including the soon-to-open spots in Sicklerville and Ardmore Pa.
It’s been a wild and fast rise for the partners who first opened up the Crumb sandwich shop in Haddonfield and after experimenting with their Everything Bagels as the bread for a burger or cheesesteak… lead them to opening up Gouldsburger’s.
Yes it’s a surprising twist to the classic Philly cheesesteak, where all of their Boaggio’s Bread baked rolls are prepared with the Everything Bagel seasoning… and most customers who try it immediately wonder how they’ve been able to eat cheesesteaks all along without that extra flavor!
The second twist to the story comes from the fact that, as the name implies… Gouldsburger’s was originally intended to be a burger-focused restaurant, and while burgers are still a huge part of the menu… It’s their cheesesteak that has really taken off and put them in the top-tier of everyone’s best of cheesesteak list.
And one of main reasons that Gouldsburger’s burgers and cheesesteaks are at another level.. they only use “Prime” beef for their sandwiches, which is a higher quality than what most shops and even steakhouses are using.
They even consider those with extra dietary concerns, adding a third grill in Sicklerville dedicated to vegan preparation, offer Gluten Free rolls.. and the fryers use Olive Oil for a “less heavy” bite.
How quality ingredients and an innovative approach to a Philly classic has led to huge success for Gouldsburger’s… and a rapid growth in new locations including Sicklerville.
Gouldsburger’s Sicklerville Is opening in a small strip of stores located next to the PNC Bank on Cross Keys Road at the intersection of Johnson Road. The Royal Farms convenience store is directly across the street.
The burger, cheese steak, hot dogs, chicken sandwich and more restaurant takes over the space which used to be Phoenix Wok, and puts them directly next to the Breakfast Nook.
It’s actually a nice pairing for the 2 restaurants with Breakfast Nook targeting the early morning breakfast crowd, and then Gouldsburger’s takes over next door for lunch and dinner!
Gouldsburger’s was founded by partners Walter Gouldsberry and David Murray just two years ago.
Dave and I have been chatting for a few months now, although this is my first article about their new Cross Keys location… a story that was first announced by South Jersey Food Scene.
Yesterday I stopped in at the Sicklerville Store and caught up with Michael who is David’s brother. Michael has signed on as a Gouldsburger’s franchise owner and Sicklerville is his first location!
Michael lives very close by in Washington Township and was drawn to the Gloucester Township location due to its proximity to his hometown, but then also the Johnson Road corner puts him in an area that doesn’t have as many sandwich options as his hometown.
And while Gouldsburger’s has a common menu and preparation across all of their locations, Mike is a very creative guy and he’s added some unique design twists to the Sicklerville location which include many family-oriented elements.
In fact Mike spent most of his career in the auto industry which had long commutes, and his switch into restaurant ownership close to home was based on being closer to his family and kids.
Well first off, one of the more obvious things for those who have visited the Haddonfield location is Sicklerville actually has traditional seating and a public restroom… where as Haddonfield is basically a take out only spot.
The color scheme is 100% Gouldsburger’s but as you can see from the photos Mike has splashed a key wall with his own graphic design creativity, adding dozens of logos and caricatures representing South Jersey, Philadelphia, and also the video games and other pop culture items that are beloved by his kids.
Every visit you’ll find yourself pointing out different graphic elements “Oh look there is Route 42!” and Mike says he will change things up over time… including a more regularly moving “Where’s Waldo?!”
I actually spent two hours in the restaurant just chatting with Mike about Gouldsburgers, his background as well as his thoughts on the Sicklerville restaurant.
He has said many locals have already stopped in and chatted with him.. saying the local community is excited for Gouldsburger’s to open… which leads me to…
Gouldsburger’s Sicklerville is targeting an August 19th opening, but the still have to complete all of their inspections. Things have gone very well so far, so they dont foresee any issues.
I’ll be back for the opening!
Links and Location
Gouldsburger’s Sicklerville – Coming Soon685 Berlin-Cross Keys RdSicklerville, NJ 08081