Slim’s Quality Burger announces Slacks Creek, Kippa-Ring locations

A team of ex-staff at one of the country’s best-known burger restaurants is about to unleash their new take on all American dining in southeast Queensland.

Nik Rollison and Mike Tripp, founders of Slim's Quality Burger, which will open sites at Logan and Moreton Bay in the coming months. Picture: Justin Lloyd

A team of ex-staff at one of Australia’s best-known burger restaurants is about to unleash their new take on all American dining in southeast Queensland.

Slim’s Quality Burger, dreamt up by previous Betty’s Burgers employees, will hire 180 local employees when it opens two sites in Moreton Bay and Logan.

The chain was started in December 2021 in Marrickville, Sydney, by Michael Tripp, Nik Rollison, and David Hales.

Nik Rollison and Mike Tripp, founders of Slim's Quality Burger, which will open sites at Logan and Moreton Bay in the coming months. Picture: Justin Lloyd

They say the burger joint was inspired by the nostalgic charm of 1950s and ‘60s Americana. The co-founders said Slim’s Quality Burger was built on the ethos of “quality burgers done right” – focusing on simplicity, affordability, and high-quality ingredients.

Their two new Queensland hubs have been pegged for sites at Slacks Creek and Kippa-Ring — at the former site of much-loved Beardy’s Bar and Kitchen, ending much speculation by locals as to what other venue would accompany Guzman y Gomez at the site.

In April 2022, Moreton Bay favourite Beardy’s Bar and Kitchen announced its closure to the shock of locals and loyal customers.

Beardy’s owners Ross and Lee Willson, announced the restaurant was closing just five years after it launched in 2017.

The restaurant had risen quickly in popularity despite operating for a short time and was even voted in the top three best burger joints in Brisbane.

Since then the site was demolished and construction has been ongoing.

Former Beardy’s Bar & Kitchen owners Ross and Lee Willson. Picture: Contributed

Slim’s is now on the hunt to hire 180 local employees, with job advertisements already up online, ahead of its grand openings.

The new kids on the burger block have announced a launch party in mid to late September for the Kippa-Ring store, while the Slacks Creek venue is set to open in October.

The two new locations will serve an expanded breakfast menu alongside the classics and bring a novel drive-in experience that echoes the charm of American diners.

“The opening of our Kippa-Ring and Slacks Creek restaurants are the beginning of a new chapter in our expansion journey,” said Nik Rollison, Slim’s Quality Burger co-founder said. “Our Queensland locations have been purposely designed to allow for nose-in parking around the restaurant, reminiscent of an American diner, complete with a view into our open kitchens.”

Slim’s Quality Burger to replace Beardy’s Bar and Kitchen in Kippa-Ring. Picture: Suppied

The Queensland restaurants will feature Slim’s signature aesthetic of an open kitchen housed in vibrant retro decor as an Americana diner styled from the ‘50s and ‘60s.

Cherry-red banquettes, vintage light fixtures, and distinctive neon signage will transport customers back to an era of stylish, easygoing dining.

The new locations will feature a QR code ordering system, allowing customers to place orders from their cars and enjoy prompt food delivery, marrying the nostalgia of a drive-in with modern technology.

Slim’s Quality Burger to replace Beardy’s Bar and Kitchen in Kippa-Ring. Pictures – contributed.

Their Brisbane Chef Greg Engelhardt said everything was fresh and local.

“Everything comes in fresh, never frozen. From on-site churned ice-cream to hand-cut fries, our offerings mirror our pride in our ingredients, production methods, and most importantly, our finished products,” chef Engelhardt said.

Guests can also look forward to a full coffee menu and a new range of breakfast items.

The Queensland locations will continue to serve Slim’s range of made-to-order burgers, featuring 100 per cent Australian Angus beef patties, alongside specialty hand-cut fries and classic sundaes. Catering to all customers, the menu will also offer vegetarian and gluten-free options.