A gourmet burger featuring lobster, served at Will's Smashburgers, reflecting the commitment to community and veteran support.
Will Burrell, an 18-year-old from Mattituck, New York, has founded Will’s Smashburgers, a gourmet burger business that gives back by providing meals to veterans and donating profits to military families. Inspired by his experience at a military-style boot camp, Burrell’s venture has gained traction in the community. With standout menu items like ‘The Green Beret’ burger, he combines culinary passion with a commitment to honoring military service members. As the business grows, Burrell aims to create more community engagement and expand his support for veterans.
New York – Will Burrell, an 18-year-old entrepreneur from Mattituck on Long Island’s North Fork, has launched a new business venture called Will’s Smashburgers, which not only serves gourmet burgers but also supports veterans and military families. The young owner operates his business out of a corner inside Center Cuts Gourmet Butcher shop and provides complimentary meals to veterans, alongside donating 10% of his profits to assist current military service members and their families.
Burrell’s inspiration for his smashburger business came after attending a military-style boot camp in Vermont, where he felt a strong connection to veterans. This personal experience deepened his appreciation for the sacrifices made by military personnel, prompting him to create a business that acknowledges and supports their contributions. As part of his community-oriented approach, Burrell offers handwritten positive messages in customer bags, reflecting his commitment to fostering a positive atmosphere.
Since its inception last winter, during a fundraising dinner at his high school in Greenwich, CT, where he raised $1,500 for the Gary Sinise Foundation, Will’s Smashburgers has quickly gained popularity among locals. Burrell has a background in the culinary arts, having learned to cook from his family, especially his father, who introduced him to barbecuing. In addition to running the smashburger business, Burrell also manages food trucks at his school’s athletic events, showcasing his entrepreneurial spirit and work ethic.
The menu at Will’s Smashburgers features a variety of smashburger offerings, including a standout item known as “The Green Beret,” which consists of a full-sized smashburger topped with lobster and warm butter. Burrell has developed a special sauce that includes ketchup, mustard, Dijon, mayo, and pickle juice, complemented with caramelized onions and bacon, creating a unique taste for burgers that draws customers in.
The business has experienced notable community support since opening. Local patrons are becoming familiar faces, with many knowing Burrell personally, fostering a sense of community around the venture. Burrell’s efforts have not gone unnoticed by larger figures; New York Islanders forward Kyle Palmieri, a native of Long Island, is a supporter who has expressed interest in collaborating with Burrell to further veteran causes.
Will Burrell aims to expand his business by hosting events at local venues such as Barnyard and Macari Vineyard. In addition to his smashburgers, Burrell offers patriotic merchandise, including American flag-printed T-shirts, contributing to his mission of honoring military service members. His dedication to the cause is evident in his aspirations for the future; he plans to enroll in an ROTC program in college, with the ultimate goal of pursuing a career in the Army.
A profound experience for Burrell occurred during his time at Camp Spartan, where he bonded with several veterans. This experience provided him with valuable insights and a deeper understanding of the sacrifices made by those in the military, further inspiring his business model. Burrell expresses gratitude for the freedoms afforded to him by military personnel and the overall environment in the United States, which he considers the greatest country in the world.
As Will’s Smashburgers continues to grow, it stands as not only a source of delicious food but also a testament to community spirit and a tribute to the sacrifices of military veterans. With a unique business model and a heartfelt commitment to service, Burrell’s venture is making a notable impact on both his community and those who serve the nation.
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