Marine Industry Spotlight: The Burger Boat Article and Photos by Amy Thurman
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fter dotting all the i’s and crossing all the t’s, The Burger Boat is finally licensed to operate in Chatham County! The Burger Boat, a 28-foot pontoon boat, has been fitted as a floating kitchen that can go anywhere boaters are. Though the boat has been operating in Beaufort County, S.C. waters for some time now, it’s the first of its kind in coastal Georgia. So how does it work? The first step is finding them. Steve Martin and his wife Margo Greene will update social media regularly to let area boaters know where The Burger Boat will be serving. A new website is under construction and will launch soon with information, and they’ve also signed up for a “text blast” program that allows boaters to subscribe and get a short text message announcing their location each weekend. Once you know where they’ll be, the next step is to place your order. Orders can be called in, sent by text, or you can boat up, tie off and order from the window. As each menu item is freshly prepared, the average order will take about 10 to 15 minutes to complete. You can either go by boat to pick your order up at the window, or they can deliver it to you on the sandbar or to your boat if necessary. Payment will be accepted by cash or credit card, and like in any service industry, the staff greatly appreciates tips! The menu will offer something for everyone, from personal seven-inch pizzas cooked in the boat’s pizza ovens, to burgers, hot dogs, nachos, and a daily sandwich special, such as pulled pork or jerk chicken. There will be vegetarian options as well. “We’ve had a lot of people ask if we serve fries. I’m sorry, but no. Hot oil on an anchored boat is just too dangerous!” Margo said. “But our sandwiches come with chips and a pickle.” It’s a great solution for hanging out at the sandbar, when you want to relax and enjoy the day rather than spend your time standing over a hot grill, or lugging everything in coolers to the boat, then the sandbar or beach, then back again. The Burger Boat will frequently be seen and open for business at various popular boating hangouts, such as Wassaw Sound and the Tybee Back River sandbar. Steve has also discovered that anchoring near a busy waterway thoroughfare, such as where Turner’s Creek meets the Wilmington River has proven good for business as well. “This business is all about the boaters. We want to be where the boaters want us,” said Steve. Have a private dock and planning to host a party? The Burger Boat is available for events, too. They will either adapt a menu that can be handled on the boat to meet your needs, or you can choose to allow guests to order from the regular menu. Bigger events are also an option – The Burger Boat will be on hand for the Leukemia Cup Regatta Yacht Hop in June and look forward to participating in other local events as well. In addition to weekends and events, Steve is working on a plan to make the boat available during the week in areas with busy marine services, such as in Thunderbolt. If you would be interested in having The Burger Boat dock at your marina and serve lunch, get in touch with him to discuss the possibilities. Southern Tides has been following Steve and Margo’s progress as they worked to make this new business happen and we’re thrilled to see them get started! We wish you many happy years in business!
Top: The Burger Boat - look for it on the water near you! Above: The interior has been completely refitted as a working kitchen.
Want to find The Burger Boat? Here's how to stay in touch:
(315) 406-0804 Sign up for text blast (they won't barrage you!): www.remind.com/join/burgerbo Visit them on social media: www.Facebook.com/TheBurgerBoatSAV On Twitter @burger_boat On Instagram - theburgerboatsav Visit their website: www.TheBurgerBoat.com
April 2018
Southern Tides Magazine
23
