Reader: When does the fast-casual burger market reach its saturation point?

Big Smoke Burger opened yesterday in Glendale's City Set project, the first U.S. location of a Canada-based firm. Founder Cameron Tune sees lots of promise in Denver's "immature" burger market. But is there room on the grill? See also: - Reader: Big Smoke Burger, more choices at lower price s--...

By Patricia Calhoun

July 2, 2013

Audio By Carbonatix

[
          {
            "name": "GPT - Billboard - Slot Inline - Content - Labeled - No Desktop",
            "component": "23668565",
            "insertPoint": "2",
            "requiredCountToDisplay": "2"
          },{
            "name": "STN Player - Float - Mobile Only ",
            "component": "23853568",
            "insertPoint": "2",
            "requiredCountToDisplay": "2"
          },{
            "name": "Editor Picks",
            "component": "17242653",
            "insertPoint": "4",
            "requiredCountToDisplay": "1"
          },{
            "name": "Inline Links",
            "component": "18838239",
            "insertPoint": "8th",
            "startingPoint": 8,
            "requiredCountToDisplay": "7",
            "maxInsertions": 25
          },{
            "name": "GPT - 2x Rectangles Desktop, Tower on Mobile - Labeled",
            "component": "24956856",
            "insertPoint": "8th",
            "startingPoint": 8,
            "requiredCountToDisplay": "7",
            "maxInsertions": 25 
          
          },{
            "name": "Inline Links",
            "component": "18838239",
            "insertPoint": "8th",
            "startingPoint": 12,
            "requiredCountToDisplay": "11",
            "maxInsertions": 25
          },{
            "name": "GPT - Leaderboard to Tower - Slot Auto-select - Labeled",
            "component": "17676724",
            "insertPoint": "8th",
            "startingPoint": 12,
            "requiredCountToDisplay": "11",
            "maxInsertions": 25
          }
        ]

Big Smoke Burger opened yesterday in Glendale's City Set project, the first U.S. location of a Canada-based firm. Founder Cameron Tune sees lots of promise in Denver's "immature" burger market. But is there room on the grill? See also: - Reader: Big Smoke Burger, more choices at lower price s-- consumer wins big! - Big Smoke Burger opens in Glendale - H Burger closes in Boulder, LoDo location soon to follow

Says TheJeff:

So when does the fast-casual burger market reach its saturation point? Between multiple locations of Smashburger, LarkBurger, and Five Guys, it feels pretty well covered. If you add in those "one and two off" joints like Juicy Burger, Park Burger, and H Burger and all of the chains from other communities that are dipping a toe in the Denver market (Freddies, Culver's, Steak 'n Shake), it feels pretty well covered.

Is there room in the Denver market for Big Smoke Burger? What's your favorite fast-casual burger joint in town?

Follow @CafeWestword

Patricia Calhoun is editor-in-chief of Westword, the alt-weekly she co-founded in September 1977. She’s been inducted into the Colorado Press Association Hall of Fame, the Association of Alternative Newsmedia Hall of Fame and the Colorado Restaurant Association Hall of Fame. She’s also received dozens of local, state and national awards for writing, including first place for feature writing and first place for column writing with the Society of Professional Journalists. Patricia is a weekly commentator on Colorado Inside Out, PBS 12's public affairs roundtable, which has won two Emmys.

A message from Patricia Calhoun: If you value independent journalism, please consider making a contribution to support our continued coverage of Denver’s evolving dining scene and the latest culinary innovations our community offers.

Support Today