Harbor Burger Shack in Kittery brings back 1950s memories, serves up favorites with twist

KITTERY, Maine — Harbor Burger Shack, a 1950s-themed, blast-from-the-past grill, has opened near the Kittery Premium Outlets, serving hamburgers, chicken sandwiches, hot dogs, seafood burgers and milkshakes.

The new eatery is the latest addition to U.S. Route 1 at the shopping center and the newest venture from Maine food and beverage company First Serve Hospitality Group. The company’s portfolio includes Kittery staples Bob’s Clam Hut, Robert’s Maine Grill and the recently-opened Spruce Creek Pizza, all of which are also on Route 1. It also owns Mabel’s Lobster Claw in Kennebunkport and H.B. Provisions in Kennebunk.

Harbor Burger Shack has taken over a former shoe outlet at 355 U.S. Route 1. The building has been decorated with an eye for the nifty '50s, with black and white checkered tabletops, vintage cartoon, music and movie posters and artwork, a long order counter and neon signs. A circa-1932 red fire truck with the Harbor Burger Shack logo posted to its doors sits outside.

“It’s welcoming to anyone,” said Mary Pugliese, director of operations for First Serve Hospitality Group. “Whether you’re 6 (years old) or 60 (years old), you’re very comfortable here. It’s a menu that appeals to everyone. The old music is something that brings back memories. We’ve had a lot of multi-generational (families) coming in to eat together, and they’re able to share stories and experiences from some of the paraphernalia that’s in the building.”

Favorites with a twist on menu at Harbor Burger Shack

The 90-seat, 4,500-square-foot Americana establishment is keeping its menu simple with twists on classic dishes.

The restaurant’s eight-burger section of the menu includes the Aye Aye Smokehouse Bacon with bacon, American cheese, lettuce, tomato, a pickle and barbecue sauce made with Moxie, a New England treat. The South of the Harbor burger features jack cheese, avocado, pico de gallo and pickled jalapenos, while the Jaybird Patty Melt includes griddled mushrooms, onion, Swiss cheese and the restaurant’s signature house-made “wicked harbor sauce.”

There are also crispy and spicy chicken sandwiches and a farm chicken sandwich with grilled chicken, tomato, onion, a pickle and the business’ wicked harbor sauce. Hot dogs include a chili cheese hot dog and a corn dog. There is also a surf and turf burger, a fried fish sandwich with a haddock filet, a veggie burger and multiple options for sides of fries.

Vanilla, chocolate and strawberry milkshakes are offered, in addition to specialty shakes. “Shake the Cereal” is a vanilla milkshake with cinnamon toast crumble, confetti sprinkles, butterscotch drizzle and a Rice Krispies Treat square. You can also order a strawberry shortcake shake and a chocolate shake topped with whipped cream, chocolate syrup, chips and a Maine whoopie pie.

Owners say Harbor Burger Shack is a response to what customers want

The plan was always for the Maine company to open a retro-style restaurant specializing in burgers.

“I think it’s just that era. When you’re thinking of burgers, when you’re thinking of shakes, sometimes it just brings you back,” Pugliese said.

Feedback from First Serve Hospitality Group customers led to the opening of Spruce Creek Pizza after patrons expressed a desire for New York-style pizza in town, according to Pugliese. The same circumstances played out with Harbor Burger Shack.

“We’re fortunate in that a lot of our regulars travel throughout the Seacoast and sometimes you just hear what they’re asking for, what they’re looking for,” Pugliese said. “It’s always been thought that we have great burgers at Bob’s and Robert’s. At times, during peak (business hours), there can be really high volume, so we just wanted something more accessible to people and at a different price point.”

Beginning in a few weeks, First Serve Hospitality Group will also operate a country store inside the restaurant that will sell whoopie pies, local artisan gifts, souvenirs, M&M’s candy and has a cotton candy machine whizzing in the background. Harbor Burger Shack-themed merchandise is available for purchase, in addition to jars of pickles and pickled beets and carrots.

Harbor Burger Shack has been ramping up operations for a few weeks, inviting customers in for a throwback diner atmosphere, though its official grand opening isn’t until Monday, July 15.

“It’s continuing to get busier every day. It’s nice to be in summer vacation and see all the families. We’re anticipating that it’s just going to continue to grow,” Pugliese said.

The year-round business is open daily from 11 a.m. until 8 p.m.

This article originally appeared on Portsmouth Herald: Harbor Burger Shack in Kittery brings back 1950s, serves up favorites