Burger Haven Lucky Buns Prepares to Branch Out

Lucky Buns founder Alex McCoy is searching for move-in ready restaurants along the East Coast where he could plant fast-casual versions of his popular Adams Morgan burger restaurant.

“We are just trying to get ahead of our planned expansion,” the Duke’s Grocery alum and pop-up dining vet tells Eater of the tip line for “second generation restaurant spaces” he established on social media. McCoy says he’s currently looking for turnkey operations inside the District that could support a Lucky Buns stand similar to the one he’s been operating inside Capital One Arena for several months.

“I’m open to all neighborhoods, but a small downtown location with a strong lunch business is best for us,” he says. In addition to growing locally, McCoy tells Eater that he is also scouting locations in Baltimore, Philadelphia, and New York City. He did not provide a timetable for when he might expand beyond D.C.

In the meantime McCoy continues fine-tuning his neighborhood eatery. He recently added weekend brunch. And he’s gearing up for future growth by having local pickle company Gordy’s Pickle Jar produce his recipe in bulk starting immediately.

“Many places tend to downsize and compromise in quality to scale, I refuse to do that,” McCoy says.

• Devour Burgers From Around the World at Lucky Buns [EDC]