Foodie News
Hubcap Grill says no to fake burgers, Heights vegetarians freak out
It all started with a mostly innocuous tweet from Hubcap Grill owner Ricky Craig about his soon-to-open joint in the Heights:
It’s official. I will NOT be doing any veggie/vegan or turkey on 19th st. Sorry folks, it’s not Hubcap style.”
Since Hubcap is the kind of old-fashioned burger place that's all about the meat, this probably shouldn't come as a surprise. But the angry outcry from vegetarians was certainly unexpected.
"They all freaked out on me!" Craig told CultureMap. Craig says he was bombarded with replies and direct messages that attacked him and his business.
"It's just not Hubcap's style and I'm not going to do it," Craig says. "Other places specialize in it. People told me I was alienating people. But if you are a vegetarian then I didn't lose you because I never had you. I've never sold that kind of stuff. I'm not moving into the Heights to change what I do."
Craig says he has made grilled mushroom and Swiss cheese patty melts downtown for vegetarians who came in and asked politely. He also says he doesn't have a problem with vegetarians bringing their own food.
"I also see vegetarians and vegans coming in here to cheat every once in a while," Craig says.
Though there won't be any turkey or black bean burgers on the new menu, Craig says he is adding a few more specialty burgers and fries, and will continue to offer chicken sandwiches for those who don't go for red meat.
Hubcap Grill on 19th Street at Durham is set to open after the Fourth of July holiday weekend, with picnic tables, plasma TVs, craft bottled beers and backyard games including ping-pong and horseshoes.
"If you don't want a burger just come out and have a beer and some fries and just chill," Craig says.