“Worth the pilgrimage for burgers,” proclaims a review posted on the wall of Five Guys Burgers and Fries.
But wouldn’t you rather have one in your own backyard?
With the national burger chain’s recent installation in Fairmount, what was once a rare treat, requiring a trip to Ithaca or Vestal, can now be enjoyed on a regular basis. Five Guys is perhaps most famous for its fries, made from potatoes imported daily from Idaho.
And just as you’ll find at Doug’s Fish Fry, these potatoes are peeled and chopped on site.
Buyers beware: Order a hamburger if you want a double hamburger. For a single, order the not-so-little “little hamburger,” which comes in at around 1/3 pounds.
No matter what burger you order, though, it’ll be served juicy and well done. According to fiveguys.com, this is done to a) ensure a consistent product and b) meet or exceed health code standards for ground beef.
Hours: 11 a.m. to 10 p.m., seven days a week
Location: 3439 W. Genesee St., Camillus
Phone: 315-299-7027
Website: fiveguys.com
Groceries for a greener planet
After five years of success in the health foods business running the Mustard Seed in Oswego, Brent Lewis and his son, Owen, have opened up Green Planet Grocery on W. Genesee Street. The store takes the spot once occupied by Video King.
Owen, the store’s manager, says they chose Camillus because they felt the health foods market was underserved in the West Syracuse area.
“A lot of people have an interest in leading a healthier lifestyle, and their choices are limited,” he said.
Green Planet offers a full shopping experience to customers. In addition to healthy foods, produce and a full line of supplements, the store sells health and beauty supplies, and even natural pet food. The store’s caf (c), now serving freshly brewed organic coffee, will soon offer lunch items and smoothies.
Brent and Owen admit that Wegman’s presents serious competition in the market, but see their store as having many advantages. For one, shoppers do not have to wade through the “sea of junk food,” as Brent calls it, since Green Planet sells nothing but healthy food.
In addition, Owen says, Green Planet can offer personal attention to customers looking for advice on things like supplements.
Owen hopes the store’s eye-catching sign will help invite people to come in “and see if shopping here will be part of their shopping routine.”
“We hope to be a part of the fabric of the community for a long time,” he said.
Green Planet opened June 19 and will host its grand opening July 22, 23 and 24,. The event will feature demonstrations from vendors and plenty of free samples.
Hours: 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Sunday
Location: 3439 W. Genesee St., Camillus
Phone: 315-488-7777
Website: gpgrocery.com
Martial arts in motion
When Todd Finney and Robert Webster opened Agogi Mixed Martial Arts in Marcellus three years ago, not everyone thought they’d have success. But they’ve done all right, and with Agogi’s recent move to a brand new facility on North Street, the studio is expanding — with 300 members and counting.
“Now the skeptics are our supporters,” said Webster, who also teaches math at Marcellus Central Schools. “Small towns don’t usually have a martial arts school of their own, and this is Marcellus’s school.”
Webster is joined by his wife, Kate, an instructor and first-degree black belt, and his two daughters. Evelyn, 7, is a first-degree black belt and Abby, 5, is a junior black belt.
Agogi teaches seven styles of martial arts, offering cardio-based exercise to its students. What’s truly impressive about the studio is the affect it has on the character development of its younger students.
Students who achieve straight A’s in school are awarded gold stars to wear on their uniforms. According to Finney and Webster, almost everyone ends up donning a gold star.
“The focus and concentration you receive in class correlates with the classroom,” Webster said.
Agogi offers one-month trial, as well as buy one get one free memberships. The studio will host a martial arts camp, open to members ($40 fee) and non-members ($50 fee) between the ages of 4 and 12, July 19 to 23.
Location: 19 North Street, Marcellus
Phone: 315-673-0885
