By Becky Billingsley

Tuesday, Sept. 4, 2012, Myrtle Beach - In a town where another burger joint could get lost among the hundreds that already exist, Hwy. 55 Burgers, Shakes and Fries in Myrtle Beach has landed a walk-in traffic bonanza.

A new burger restaurant cruised into Myrtle Beach in May 2012, and a shrewd location choice and tasty value-oriented food has tables filled all day, every day.

Bob Twigg opened the first South Carolina location of Hwy 55 Burgers Shakes & Fries at the Tanger Outlet Center off U.S. 501, with help from master South Carolina franchisers Chris LaCoe and J.R. Cottle.  

The restaurant chain was originally known as Andy's Burgers Shakes and Fries, which was founded in 1991 in Goldsboro, N.C., by Kenny Moore. Andy's had 100 locations mostly in the eastern part of North Carolina, but due to trademark issues the decision was made to rebrand the chain as Highway 55 Burgers Shakes & Fries, which refers to a North Carolina highway.

It has always been known as a budget-priced family-oriented restaurant with fresh food, frozen custard and friendly service.

Burgers are made with fresh (never frozen) 80/20 chuck, and the house specialty is the Andy's Cheeseburger with melted American cheese on top, with slaw, onions, mustard and chili under the meat. The Andy's Original Special with an Andy's Cheeseburger, fries and a drink is $6.19.

The burgers are juicy and delectable.
 
The $6 Cheesesteak is also tasty with a generous amount of meat served on a soft bun; it is an ultimate comfort food. Other sandwiches include the John Boy & Billy Chicken Sandwich, Shrimp Po’ Boy, Andy’s Shrimp Burger, and Chicken Cordon Bleu.

Fries are large and crisp, and a salad can be topped with grilled or fried chicken.

Children’s meals are served in cardboard hot rods, and instead of ice cream in their sundaes, shakes, malts, floats and mix-in treats (similar to Dairy Queen's Blizzard), Hwy 55 uses frozen custard. The custard has 90 percent less air whipped into it than most ice creams, resulting in a thick and slick mouth-feel and rich condensed flavor.

Hwy. 55 has a large staff of young employees who are trained to stay busy and be friendly. They smile a lot as they bustle about the bright and cheerful space with lots of tables and booths, counter seating, a black and white checkerboard floor and a bright blue and hot pink décor.

Recently it was two customers who were smiling when they successfully completed the Big A Challenge, which is to eat a six-patty, 50-ounce cheeseburger, fries and a 24-ounce soft drink in 30 minutes or less. If that’s accomplished, the $25 meal is free.

Hwy 55 Burgers Shakes & Fries is open from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Mondays through Saturdays and from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Sundays. It's at 4628 Factory Stores Blvd., Suite B210 (the east side of the shopping center), and the number is 236-0085.