Local news

Wayback Burger offers ‘fast casual’ dining experience

LOCK HAVEN – Lock Haven's newest restaurant, Wayback Burger, has been busy since opening its doors on Wednesday afternoon.

The "fast casual" burger joint is located just off Paul Mack Boulevard along Walnut Street and attached to the Lucky 7 Travel Plaza.

"It's been going great. The lines have been out the door," Sunjeet Singh, manager of both Wayback and Lucky 7, said.

Singh said that on Wednesday they were so busy with in-person orders they weren't able to take orders over the phone.

The higher than normal volume of customers is something Singh expects for at least another month or so, he said.

"Some people I'm sure will stay away because they know it'll be busy so we'll be busier than usual the first month before it evens out," he said.

Wayback Burger is a combination of a diner style eatery with the speed of a fast food restaurant. The space includes a bar area for people to sit at as well as booths lining one side of the open area. Customers also have a view of the staff as the work together to put together their meals.

"It's a fresh made-to-order burger patty. It's closer to a diner style and is considered fast casual," Singh said.

Due to the freshness of the food -- which includes anything from burgers, fries, cheese steaks, chicken sandwiches and salads -- the location doesn't have a drive-thru.

Currently, ordering in person or over the phone is available with online orders via the Wayback Burger app expected to roll out soon.

"We're working with the technology department from Wayback to get online ordering set up. People can download the app and sign up for our rewards program," Singh said. "It shouldn't be much longer."

The restaurant offers three places to dine in: inside the restaurant, outside on the patio or in a small area between the eatery and Lucky 7. The final option is only temporary however.

"We have extra seating here until the slot machines are installed... it won't be for a couple of months," Singh said.

Singh said the staff has been doing a good job of working together and getting food out in a timely manner.

"It's mostly just getting everyone the experience. We've got a good team on the line," he said.

He noted that the staff is mostly made up of local residents from the city, Mill Hall and Jersey Shore areas.

Local couple Sabrina and Skip Counsil were quick to visit the restaurant on its first day.

"It was very good. It's nice you get to pick what you want. We'd never even heard of this place before," Sabrina said.

Wayback Burger is open 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. all week and is located at 360 E. Walnut St., Lock Haven.