FROM HUMBLE BEGINNINGS By Guy Meurice
Gaz and Guy, owners of Big Boys Fine Burger Co. on the Old High St. in Folkestone have always had a drive to do their own thing. Unafraid of being a bit different (or even occasionally a bit weird) it’s at the core of almost everything they do. During the latest lockdown they’ve launched their cook-at-home burger kits. These gourmet packs include everything you need to make one of their epic ‘specials’, locally delivered on a Friday to your door. Recent kits have included the obs’Cene, a spicy collaboration with ‘Cene Magazine and Don’t Risk It For a Brisket (We’ll Bring It To You), which is accompanied by their 9 hour smoked USDA brisket and the realisation that their burger names have become too ridiculous. Most recently their weird and wonderful journey has taken them onto Facebook Marketplace, where they’ve purchased a 1970’s Commer van. Seeking new avenues to expand and diversify their business in these strange
and events. They will soon be opening a crowdfunding page so that their fans can help them to make the burger van of their dreams a reality. Guy says “We’re hoping to offer some really cool rewards for people who support the crowdfunding. I want to have a whole panel of the van dedicated to the people who have helped us over the years. We wouldn’t be where we are now without the help of our friends, family, staff and customers so I want to make sure they know how valued they are!” Keep an eye on their social media for the crowdfunding launch, and if you’re feeling hungry, head to their website https://bigboysburgers.co.uk/shop to order one of their delicious cook-at-home burger kits.
“It was quite difficult to come up with something that stood out of the crowd, as we all had to use the same ingredients. In the end we really wanted to ensure the flavour really came through so focused on that. ” From a BBQ in an oil drum at Saltwood Cricket Club, to a pop-up at the Nutmeg in Hythe, they made their home on the Old High St in Folkestone in 2014 and have since taken their burgers all the way to winning Burger Chef of the Year 2020 at the National Burger Awards. Their winning entry, ‘Oniontended Consequences’, was made with ingredients provided by the sponsors of the event and was selected as the winner by the sponsors. Coowner and head chef Gaz says “It was quite difficult to come up with something that stood out of the crowd, as we all had to use the same ingredients. In the end we really wanted to ensure the flavour really came through so focused on that. Previously winners had been more showy, but I felt that ‘flavour over form’ was the best option.”
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and unpredictable times, the brothers hope to be able to bring burgers back to Hythe with pop ups from the van along the seafront and on the High St. Their new acquisition needs a little modernisation, as it is a bit of a ‘barn find’. The engine is currently stored in the back of the van itself. They’ll begin by stripping everything out of the van and taking stock of what is there. Gaz’s brother and co-owner Guy says “We’re really biting off a lot with this one, but we’ve been dreaming of a proper American food truck since the very beginning and this is a British version of the US Chrysler step vans. I’m really excited to get my hands on it and start to make it our own.” Their dream for the van is to have it up and running in 2021 to be able to cater weddings
Photo ©Amelia Hedley
Photo ©Amelia Hedley
