Will's Smashburgers: A community-focused burger business dedicated to veterans.
Will Burrell, an 18-year-old from Mattituck, Long Island, has launched Will’s Smashburgers, a unique burger business providing free meals to veterans while donating a portion of profits to military families. Inspired by a military boot camp experience, Burrell aims to honor veterans and educate the community about their sacrifices. His innovative burger recipes have gained local popularity, and his outreach efforts include handwritten motivational messages for customers. As he plans future events, Burrell continues to embody the spirit of community support and youth entrepreneurship.
In Mattituck, Long Island’s North Fork, 18-year-old Will Burrell has established Will’s Smashburgers, a business that offers complimentary meals to veterans while also contributing a portion of its proceeds to aid current military members and their families. Burrell, who is set to enter his senior year of high school, is dedicated to using his entrepreneurial venture to give back to the community.
The inception of Will’s Smashburgers stems from Burrell’s transformative experience during a military-style boot camp in Vermont, where he realized the significance of veterans’ sacrifices. He aims to express gratitude for their service by providing free meals, ensuring that those who have served the nation can enjoy a meal without cost.
Will’s Smashburgers made its debut at a dinner event held at Burrell’s school in Greenwich, Connecticut, last winter, where he successfully raised $1,500 for the Gary Sinise Foundation. This notable organization is dedicated to supporting the families of fallen soldiers and first responders. In addition to free meals for veterans, the business donates 10% of its profits on Long Island to the same foundation, illustrating Burrell’s commitment to making a difference through his food service.
The connection to the military runs deep for Burrell, who plans to join an ROTC program in college and pursue a career in the Army. His views on the military evolved significantly after interacting and bonding with veterans at Camp Spartan in Vermont. He not only seeks to honor their sacrifices with his business but also aims to educate others in the community about the military experience and the importance of support for veterans.
Since launching, Will’s Smashburgers has developed a loyal local following, with many customers personally acquainted with Burrell. The outreach includes handwritten positive messages placed on customer bags, often containing motivational quotes to uplift those who visit the establishment.
On top of his burgers, Burrell has a unique menu that features smashburger recipes with caramelized onions and a special sauce. The standout item is a “Green Beret” burger, constructed with lobster and warm butter, showcasing his creative culinary talents, honed during his upbringing in a family passionate about cooking and barbecue. Previously, he gained experience working at Center Cuts Gourmet Butcher, which now serves as the location for his burger business.
Burrell has expanded his culinary outreach by operating food trucks at school sporting events for the Brunswick School. He has also set up picnic tables for customers, creating a welcoming dining environment. His efforts have been recognized by local sports figures, including New York Islanders forward Kyle Palmeri who has expressed interest in collaborating with Burrell and supporting his veteran-focused initiatives through his own foundation.
Will’s Smashburgers is primed for further expansion, with upcoming events scheduled at the Barnyard in Hampton Bays and Macari Vineyard. Burrell’s mission is clear: to utilize his platform as a young entrepreneur to foster a positive impact within his community and provide essential support to veterans and their families.
Overall, Burrell’s initiative highlights the power of youth engagement in addressing societal issues and the critical need for community support in honoring those who have served the nation.
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