Crowds gathered on Wood Street in Swindon’s Old Town on Thursday, July 30, for the launch of SoBe Burger, all hoping to be among the first 100 customers to claim a free burger.
Excitement was high throughout the afternoon as eager customers lined up down Wood Street and around the block onto Devizes Road.
Speaking to the Swindon Advertiser, one staff member at SoBe said:” It’s been a huge turnout this afternoon.
“Well over 100 people so definitely more than we expected.
“The burgers here are just so good so we can’t wait for everyone to try one.
“We’ve had really good responses so far and there’s a real buzz in the air – everyone’s just excited to be here today.”
The ribbon has been cut on SoBe Burger in Old Town (Image: Newsquest)
100 free burgers were given out on Thursday, July 30 (Image: SoBe)
From 4pm, the first 100 customers at the shop were treated to a free burger, but the new shop is also offering half-price on its entire in-house menu from July 30 to August 2.
Hannah South, 26, who lives nearby, was among those in line.
She said: “I actually work just around the corner so I came over at lunchtime to check if there was any queue yet and I’ve been keeping an eye on it throughout the day because I knew I wanted to be one of those first 100 through the door.
“I’ve seen them putting this place together over the last couple of weeks and it just seems like such a great addition to Old Town.”
Crowds queued down the street for the chance to get a free burger (Image: Newsquest)
The grand opening of SoBe Burger in Old Town saw a huge turnout (Image: Newsquest)
Three teenage boys also in the queue said they were excited to try the burgers and happy to support a new local business.
SoBe Burger is known for its Miami-inspired smash burgers.
The menu includes smashed beef patties, fried chicken, loaded fries, and house-made sauces.
The Swindon branch is the chain’s 19th UK location and is based at the former site of The Pantry café.
The company has been operating as a delivery-only kitchen in Swindon for three years.
Founded in London in 2019, SoBe Burger has 18 locations and over 220 delivery outlets nationwide.
Swindon mother Alicia, who was in the queue with her son George, said: “I really do think Wood Street is one of the best streets in Swindon so it’s just so nice to see another businesses opening and to come down to support them.
“Of course, we’re also excited about the free burgers. I mean, who wouldn’t be.
“But the range of food options we’ve got now in Old Town is great. There are so many great Italian places like Mario’s and Fabio’s, you’ve got Los Gatos for the tapas, there’s a great Indian on Victoria Road, and now this place too. I think it’s great.”