A simple concept the Big Wheel Burger team has taken great care mastering, they’ve turned fast food into a great modern dining experience. I love the vibe at Big Wheel.
There’s a tremendous amount going on here, from local hormone and antibiotic-free grass-fed beef being freshly ground each day, to almost everything being made in house. They have a great vegetarian burger, chop salad, and delicious fries. Classic shake flavours with fun features, the December egg nog is a favourite, and Fruit Loops looks pretty fun. It’s a quick meal with a great atmosphere. Google their secret menu for some pretty crazy options.
Cook St. Village is where Big Wheel started, now they’ve expanded to Saanich’s Gateway Village across from Uptown Shopping Centre. “We felt Saanich was a perfect fit for our business. We are very much a family business [this team also owns The Guild and Zambri’s] and feel a ton of our customers live and work in the area. The proximity to Central and North Saanich allows us to be closer to people who love our product.” Calen McNeil, one of Big Wheel’s owners told us.
The Saanich location is much like Cook St. Village, a warm bustling interior greets you with vintage inspired furniture, great lighting, a simple large menu board (so you can read it from the back of a quick moving line) and tons of signage talking about their sustainability initiatives. A small, focused menu includes burgers, hot dogs, specials, and now an awesome Big Crunch crispy chicken burger added to the regular menu, fries, salad, deep fried pickles and desserts. Grab a soda, milkshake, craft beer from Hoyne or Phillips or a glass of wine, and wander over to the bench or bar seating at the windows that run the length of the room, or a cozy table with banquette seating. It’s often bustling with locals, families, and laughter for a feeling reminiscent of coastal California.
They’ve done a great job attracting a fun crowd and serving them well. Jason, the GM and a Partner in the business, often cruises the room clearing tables, talking to customers and asking after your experience. An authentic fine dining touch that’s very well received. If you go in uniform (from Ambulance to baseball) on Tuesdays, you’ll get 15% off your bill. I love this.
Watch Twitter for specials, like a spicy Hawaiian burger with ghost pepper sauce and grilled pineapple, or a mint chocolate chip milkshake, with house made cookies on this week. Calen also told us a third location is planned to open in the summer of 2018 in the Belmont Market development.
Check them out online at bigwheelburger.com.