Derek Andrews, owner of Hwy 55 Burgers, Shakes & Fries in Leland, Surf City and Sneads Ferry, loves his customers and communities.
The Leland, Surf City and Sneads Ferry locations of Hwy 55 Burgers Shakes & Fries have a driving principle that you might not expect from a burger restaurant. Owner Derek Andrews says “Love Your Neighbor” is the glue that keeps his company running.
“We are always looking for ways to show our love and appreciation to our guests and fellow teammates in our day-to-day activities,” he says. “This goes from small acts of kindness like opening the door for a customer to larger gestures like hosting fundraisers to support our community.”
Andrews strives to make his locations of Hwy 55 welcoming places for people to enjoy not only a hot meal but also an inviting atmosphere with smiling faces. “Our goal is to spread love not only through a delicious meal but also through acts of service and connections with our guests.”
One way they do this is by opening the door for their guests, followed by a greeting from the entire staff. “We want guests to feel like family when they dine in with us,” Andrews says. Servers are encouraged to for ways to connect by talking with and getting to know their customers. Andrews’ customers say it’s a nice, refreshing change from the busy-ness of life.
Hwy 55 is a fast-paced, dine-in restaurant that’s open for lunch and dinner. They aim to serve their guests promptly and deliver a fresh meal to them in less than 6 minutes! Their Leland location also offers delivery through DoorDash.
Their menu includes hand-pattied burgers, steaming cheesesteaks, made-fresh salads and freshly made frozen custard. Currently Hwy 55 is in the process of implementing a new restaurant concept. These new restaurants will be bigger, have extended hours and offer a full-service drive-thru as well as a beautiful dining room and possibly a breakfast option. “We are looking forward to these changes so that we can branch out and better serve more guests in our community,” Andrews says.
Andrews has enjoyed a long history with Hwy 55. He started working for the company in 2005 when the restaurants were called Andy’s and he was just 15 years old.
“Something I really enjoy about this company is that there are opportunities available for the employees,” he says. “I first started as a minimum-wage cook, I put in many hours as I worked my way to an operator and now, I am an owner of multiple stores in the area. It’s amazing to be able to provide those same opportunities to my own staff now. The person who gave me a chance and hired me when I was 15 is the same person who sold me my first location.”
Another thing Andrews appreciates is the company’s philosophy of giving.
“Every summer our company raises money for our nonprofit organization called The Andy’s Foundation,” he says. “All of the money raised goes to over 50 different charitable causes. We’ve been able to donate back into our communities for families in need as well as larger organizations like The Make-A-Wish Foundation, The Miracle League, Boys and Girls Clubs of America and many more.”
Additionally, they host pancake breakfasts for local teams and groups looking to fundraise for their events and trips. They also cater to the community with spirit nights for schools and their Tuesday Kids’ Nights when children eat for a discounted price.
Andrews lives in Leland and loves his life running three Hwy 55 restaurants in southeastern North Carolina. “I enjoy living and working in Leland because I have the best of both worlds. The country and the beach. I’m originally from Leland, my whole family is also here. Our town is growing so fast and it’s a great place to live. I also have the benefit of working in Surf City so surfing is a must when I am there.”
Want to go?
Hwy 55 Burgers, Shakes & Fries
106 C N. New River Dr, Surf City
(910) 328-2111
979 NC-210, Sneads Ferry
(910) 327-1555
