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Patio Burger Ice Cream Co. expanding with second location

New location will operate year-round in Penticton’s industrial area.
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Gordon Ferguson shows off his “Burger Blvd.” sign prior to the opening of Patio Burger on Lakeshore Drive in July 2016. The popular restaurant is opening a second location in January 2018. (Steve Kidd/Western News)

Just 18 months after revamping the concession in Lakawanna Park, Patio Burger & Ice Cream Co. has announced plans for a second, year-round, location in Penticton’s industrial district.

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The new location is expected to open in early January, at 1960 Barnes St., currently the long-standing Debbie’s Diner.

The process of converting the diner to a Patio Burger starts on Dec. 15, when owner Gordon Ferguson takes over the location.

“Debbie and Melton Jones have created a very special place and we are excited to have their expertise continue with us during and after the transition,” said Ferguson.

“Penticton’s industrial area is vibrant, active, and full of hard-working men and women. It is truly amazing the diversity of successful businesses we have there and we look forward to being a part of that.”

A second location was always in the long-term plan, according to Ferguson.

“Long-term moved up a little quicker than I thought it would,” said Ferguson, explaining that they had been researching the market to determine where the best place for a new location would be.

“When this opportunity came, we grabbed it right away,” said Ferguson, adding that Patio Burger is still looking for a future third location in downtown Penticton.

Patio Burger is adding some services at the new location, including lunch delivery throughout the industrial area Monday to Friday while still having a full-service, sit-down restaurant for not just lunch, but breakfast as well.

“We are adding a new meal period. So we are busy in the test kitchens right now, finalizing the breakfast menu,” said Ferguson.

Renovations to the diner will be reminiscent of the Lakeshore Drive location, according to Ferguson, but will also reflect the location and community it serves.

“We can never recreate what we have on the lake anywhere. We’re going to do everything we can,” said Ferguson. “When spring and summer come up, we will have a patio out front, which is sitting there waiting to happen.”

The new location will also cater to breakfast and lunch meetings for up to 30 people in their private dining room complete with free wi-fi and whiteboard.

“Patio Burger has always worked hard at developing relationships and experiences and we couldn’t be more excited to begin this next chapter in the new year.”

Related: Patio Burger near opening in Penticton