Woodbury Jake’s Wayback Burgers Sets Opening Date

Jake’s Wayback Burgers is set to open at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 19.

“We’re really excited,” said Karen Schmitz, who owns the Woodbury location with her husband Ted and daughter Ariel.

Home of the “Triple Triple,” a nine-patty hamburger, Jake’s Wayback Burgers will open its first location in Minnesota in Woodbury.

It’s going in at the former Kelly Gallery space at 8470 City Centre Drive, next door to Subway.

“We love this era, ’50s and ’60s, old-fashioned malt shops,” Schmitz said.

It’s the first business for Schmitz and her husband, who live in Afton. “Food has always been our passion,” she said.

“Jake’s Wayback Burgers is focused on nationwide growth, so we are pleased to announce this latest expansion in Woodbury,” John Eucalitto, president of Jake’s Wayback Burgers, said in a release. “It’s our franchisees’ passion and commitment to their communities that makes Jake’s Wayback Burgers successful, and we are confident the Schmitz’s will continue that commitment in Woodbury with their first Jake’s Wayback restaurant.”

“Family-friendly” will be a hallmark for the Woodbury location, Schmitz said, and Jake’s Wayback Burgers will host fundraisers for local schools. It does not serve alcohol.

The restaurant seats 56 and will start out with about 30 employees, many of whom are area students, Schmitz said.

“Woodbury is full of the most extraordinary high school kids you’ve ever met in your life,” she said.

While it’s obvious Jake’s is known for its burgers, there are salads and a veggie burger on the menu, which also changes each month, Schmitz said. People should look forward to a Thanksgiving theme in November, she said.

As for the Triple Triple, Schmitz said she and her husband split it.

“He got through his half and I couldn’t finish mine,” she said.

A grand-opening celebration isn’t yet set, but Schmitz said she would like to have coaches of local high school football teams in to tackle the Triple Triple in a friendly competition.

Hours are 10:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Saturday, and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.

For more information, visit the Jake’s Wayback Burgers website.

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