New Restaurant Set for FishHawk, Good News for Burger Lovers

Hamburger lovers are in for a treat.

Jake’s Wayback Burgers will open in early August in the FishHawk Ranch Publix shopping center, 5627 FishHawk Crossing Blvd., Lithia.

The new eatery will occupy a long-vacant space in the shopping center.

Franchise owner and FishHawk Ranch resident Mark Van Dame said he's excited about taking on his first restaurant.

Van Dame grew up in Brandon and graduated from Brandon High School in 1987. He's a five-year FishHawk resident with two children, one who attends Randall Middle School and the other who just graduated from Newsome High School.

Van Dame had been a partner in a packaging corporation that was sold last year.

When considering his next career move, Van Dame decided he wanted to do something in his community, an enterprise that would allow him to give back. 

"I was looking for franchise opportunities and began looking into Jake's Wayback Burgers," said Van Dame. "It's one of those family hamburger places with fresh milkshakes, a fast, casual restaurant that I thought would do well here."

Wayback Burgers began in 1991 as Jake's Hamburgers with a single restaurant in Newark, Del, which still occupies its original location on Route 273. 

It quickly became popular for its big, juicy hand-made burgers and real milkshakes, crafted to order.

In August 2010, Jake’s Hamburgers changed its name to Jake’s Wayback Burgers and began offering franchises. now has more than 65 locations across the country, including one in Sarasota.

"It's counter service but higher end," said Van Dame. "Jake's is somewhere between fast food and Outback Steakhouse."

Every month, Wayback Burgers features a new "Burger of the Month" and  Shake of the Month." The restaurant also offers house-made potato chips, all-beef hot dogs, marinated chicken sandwiches, turkey burgers, specialty sandwiches and fresh salads.

Jake's Wayback Burgers serves hand pattied from 100 percent fresh (never frozen) ground beef grilled to order. The shakes are made from real milk and ice cream, served in a frosty metal shaker.

For a sneak peek at the menu, click here. 

The new FishHawk eatery will be 1,750 square feet with seating for 50 people inside and another 32 on the patio where pets are welcome.

In keeping with Jake's Wayback Burger's decor reminiscent of a great American roadside burger joint, the interior will feature red barnboard with white and stainless steel accents.

"We will serve beer but this is basically a family establishment," said Van Dame. "We plan on hosting Spirit Nights, car shows, bike shows and other community events. We want to support the community."

Van Dame said he is planning a soft opening at the end of July and a grand opening at the beginning of August. 

Hours will be Monday through Thursday from 10:30 a.m. to 10 p.m., Friday and Saturday from 10:30 a.m. to 11 p.m. and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Takeout and catering will be available as well.

Residents are invited to follow the progress of the new restaurant on Facebook.