Friez & Burgz opened Chester le Street Front Street branch

Friez & Burgz launched the new branch at 54 Front Street, Chester le Street at 11am today (Friday, April 17), taking over a unit previously occupied by Greggs.

The smash burger brand has built a strong following over the past four years for its quick and affordable burgers.

Owner Alex Lucas from Friez & Burgz (Image: Friez & Burgz)

The new shop becomes the sixth location for the growing business, which already operates sites in South Shields, Byker, Forest Hall, Whitley Bay and Newcastle’s Percy Street opposite the Haymarket.

Founder Alex Lucas, 27, from Newcastle, previously said the team had stripped the Chester-le-Street building back completely before rebuilding it.

He said: “We do everything ourselves, from taking the building back to nothing to getting it ready to open, it’s all our own people and contractors we’ve worked with since the beginning.

“We’ve just opened our fifth shop in Newcastle, and this will be our sixth location.

“Everything was removed and rebuilt from scratch. It’s a really good location on Front Street and we’re excited to bring something new there.”

Friez & Burgz (Image: Friez & Burgz)

The unit was formerly home to Greggs, which has since relocated to a larger premises across the road.

The business first launched four years ago with its original shop in South Shields.

Originally from the Ukraine, Alex moved to the UK 15 years ago and said the idea for the brand came from his experience working in the restaurant industry.

He said: “We wanted to be the best from day one, but also very reasonably priced.

“When we worked out the food costs, we realised we could offer really good quality burgers without charging what everyone else was charging.”

Despite rising food costs, he said the company has tried to keep prices affordable for customers.

Friez & Burgz (Image: Friez & Burgz)

The 27-year-old said: “Everything has gone up, but we still try to keep good value for customers, especially with how difficult things are for people right now.”

The brand has become known for the speed of its service, with burgers typically prepared in around seven minutes.

Alex added: “All the burgers are smashed fresh, the buns are baked daily, and we aim to have food ready in around seven minutes.

“It’s quick, it’s high quality, and it works really well for people who want something fast but still made properly.”

He added that expanding the business is also about creating opportunities for the team who have helped build the brand.

He said: “The biggest reason for opening more shops is to give our team a chance to grow and to give hardworking people opportunities.

“People who work hard and are passionate deserve the opportunity to run something and I want to provide the space for them to do that.”