EDIT: While this location is now closed, FUB can still be found up in Flint.
Once upon a time on Orchard Lake Road between 13 Mile and 12 Mile in Farmington Hills there existed a Burger King. It was a source of joy in my childhood, not just for the food, but for the magician that sometimes appeared for birthdays and such. Yet, at some point that Burger King lost its purpose and was recently replaced with the second rendition of Freakin’ Unbelievable Burgers (the first rendition being located in beautiful Flint).
Freakin’ Unbelievable Burgers is working to throw its hat into the fast casual burger franchise game that Smashburger appears to have the biggest jump on, at least as far as national presence (although spots like The Habit and Burger Lounge are all over California). Unsurprisingly, Freakin’ Unbelievable Burgers reminded me a lot of Smashburger in terms of the ambiance, price and general feel. Well, except that Freakin’ Unbelievable Burgers has big screen TVs all about to keep customers hanging around.
I had some difficulty choosing which burger to eat because there were some interesting options and old classics, but I ended up ordering the regular (two patty) Ancho BBQ Burger. This came with cheddar, that ancho BBQ sauce, bacon, fried onion straws, lettuce and tomato. I made it a meal with fries and a drink, then ordered without the lettuce and tomato. For starters, I loved that they took the two-patty burger concept from Five Guys. It worked well with the toppings, which were all prepared nicely and appeared composed of ingredients that would make fast food cry. Although none of the flavors were especially groundbreaking in any way, as I finished off my burger and fries I couldn’t help but think that Freakin’ Unbelievable Burgers probably has a good shot of making it as a franchise.
It’s the kind of burger place that seems reliable, is able to push a few boundaries without rubbing anyone the wrong way, and has a pretty awesome name. Throw some quality in there and I think there probably isn’t a better recipe for mass success.
