17 December 2009

Brodburger too successful?

| jase!
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Heading down to Brodburger tonight I was dismayed to see a sign on the little red van that they have been told they will have to leave Bowen Park by the middle of next year.

They have started a petition so if you have had a good burger from down there or just like seeing lit up little red caravans head down and give it a sign. While I was down there tonight the petition didn’t make it to the end of the line because people were arriving quicker than it could move back.

I counted 30 in the queue to order tonight, are there any other food vans in Canberra that are that busy before 2am on Friday and Saturday nights?

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I find it funny how Canberra wants to attract people but we always destroy the few valuable things. What makes Melbourne great are all the wierd side alley way cafes and innovating ideas to attract the people who live there to stay and enjoy the towns secrets.
Canberra has few and by the looks of things heading to extinction for our towns secrets when it comes to food or places.

I enjoy the van being there, It adds a little bit of Canberra’s history to it. Gypsies trying to make something of this town. People come from Queensland and NSW to petition. Bureaucrats have closed minded opinions and are not willing to change. Hence making young Canberreans crave either to leave (never good advertising for canberra) or to be so out of it with drugs and alcohol to forget their sorrows in this dull town.

Original article – with poll.

Brick veneer of support for burger kings
BY MEGAN DOHERTY, CITY REPORTER
22 Jan, 2010 08:04 AM
The now famous Brodburger van at Kingston’s Bowen Park has a fan in ACT Chief Minister Jon Stanhope who declared yesterday it was not an eyesore and should be allowed to stay put.

”I support the Brodburger location, the van, the service they provide and it’s enormously popular. The people of Canberra are certainly voting with their feet and their stomach,” he said yesterday.

His comments came as the National Capital Authority confirmed it wanted the Brodburger business to operate in the same location out of a permanent kiosk possibly in bricks of the same sort as a nearby toilet block rather than the current little red van which has charmed many Canberrans. Mr Stanhope said he understood the possible removal of the van next to Lake Burley Griffin had been raised because of ”aesthetic” concerns held by the authority.

Territory and Municipal Services chief executive Gary Byles is meeting today with National Capital Authority chief executive Gary Rake to try to seek a resolution to the Brodburger impasse.

Mr Rake said the authority wanted the business to remain operating in the location but in a permanent, purpose-built facility, financed privately or by the ACT Government, because the van did not comply with the National Capital Plan which stated that ”developments must show an appropriate quality of architectural design consistent with their location in this area of special national concern”.

”If there was a small kiosk that was next door to the toilet block and was built of the same sort of bricks and the same colour roof, that would be perfectly okay,” Mr Rake said.

Brodburger co-owner Joelle Bou-Jaoude’s response to that suggestion was, “Oh yuck”.

Holden Caulfield12:13 pm 22 Jan 10

After last night’s yummy Brodburger my opinion on this whole “they’re closing us down” saga has changed a little. I was going to sign their petition, but now have second thoughts. A few points to start, go back and read the earlier posts, specifically #28 and #48.

I will also preface my following comments by stating I am a huge Brodburger fan, they make great food and, as shown by waiting almost a full hour last night, I am patient enough to wait for my supper.

However, this was the first time I’ve been there this year and while it was warm it was still pleasant enough to stay and eat burgers by the lake. Which heaps of people seemed to be doing. This created two significant problems—parking and litter–that would further raise the ire of local authorities and show that, perhaps, Brodburger has become too successful for its current location (at least in Summer anyway).

PARKING: It was out of control. The parking spaces at Bowen Park were literally overflowing with the bitumen area beyond capacity with access impeded. There were also plenty of people parked on the grass just off Bowen Drive (myself included, so I am at fault here too). Referring back to the list posted at #28 its is fair to say that points (i)-(v) were all being breached due to the parking.

LITTER: Closest to the Brodburger van were two government wheelie bins and a single old style plastic bin which was presumably supplied by Brodburger. The two wheelie bins were way past full, but this didn’t stop people from adding to the waste. Here’s a tip folks, when you squeeze your rubbish in the bin and it forces other rubbish on to the ground that means the bin is full. If no other bins are around, then just take your rubbish with you. Lazy sods! The Brodburger bin had also filled to overflowing in the time we were waiting for our burgers. Again, referring to post #28 points (iv) and (v) were breached.

Moving on to the points raised by the owners shown in post #48 I appreciate and agree with almost everything she is saying. I do find it hard to believe that there has been no reason given for the request to move, but am happy to accept the comment on face value. That said, on last night’s evidence, the reasons are now quite obvious.

That leaves a couple of alternatives. Tailor Bowen Park to suit peak periods at Brodburger. This would entail some sort of parking alterations, be that restrictions or increasing capacity. And also better rubbish facilities are required. I reckon the litter issues could be relatively easily solved if Brodburger is willing to accept greater responsibility during busy periods. However, can’t really see a likely solution for overflow parking.

Part of the appeal is that Brodburger is dodgy looking van in a quaint little park. Are there any other solutions that maintain that appeal, while also solving the parking issue, which, it must be said, is only a problem during the warmer months. In winter people get their burgers and bugger off somewhere warm, and by doing so solve both the parking and litter problems.

Other possible venues could be somewhere near Regatta Point, or over by the Acton Ferry Terminal on Barrine Drive. Both venues have much more appropriate parking and retain close proximity to the lake. Sure, they’re not quasi-underground like Bowen Park, but life is full of compromises. I reckon, if possible, these two options could provide a workable solution.

Oh, now after all this, am I the only one put off by that Charlie guy who is there all the time? Maybe he’s just not my cup of tea, an opinion formed while chatting to him a few months back where he was on his soap box about being judged by his appearance while simultaneously making similar sweeping statements/judgments on public servants (I am not a public servant by the way).

[RiotACT Eds – wasn’t sure if this should be a new topic, or added here.]

Holden Caulfield2:30 pm 20 Jan 10

@ #@20 – thanks for posting that up. Sounds fair to me.

Muttsybignuts1:27 pm 20 Jan 10

The burgers are good. It is as simple as that. And, as someone else said, at least the park is being enjoyed. We have been there a few times, got some burgers and sat under the trees to eat them. The biggest problem is finding a tree to sit under because they are all taken by other burger eaters!
I think I said this earlier. It is things like this that reinforce the idea that Canberra is a bland soulless place. Anything that adds a bit of colour and doesn’t hurt anyone is shut down by faceless bureaucrats who need to justify their own existence.

This was posted yesterday on the in the mix forums by a new user name JOUJOU. I have no idea whether it is genuine or not but thought I’d post it here:

I own Brodburger with my bf. Let me just clarify a few things:

1. We invested a lot of money in setting up the food van which complied with all the rules and regulation that we were made aware of at the time of approval.
2. We got a Hawker’s license to have the Caravan at Bowen Park…It’s true that we pay no rent as such but neither do all the other caravans around Canberra. The Hawker’s act does not have different rules in regards to setting up in different areas of Canberra. Why should we be picked on because we are in Barton???
3. NCA have given us no reason as to why they want us to leave.
4. If we wanted to set up a shop we would have…we wanted to be original ….trust me a shop would be a lot easier for us to run. We restock twice a day because of the size of the van…however that has been beneficial as everything is always fresh.
I wonder if we would have had the same problem if we were serving old boiled hot dogs.
5.Food Caravans are legitimate businesses. We employ staff members…We are a Canberra based business that buys products from other Canberra based businesses…we donate to charities too but don’t advertise it for sympathy.
6.People who decide to open restaurants do so….We decided on a caravan to be different…Canberra is full of Cafes and Restaurants that sell the same types of food within the same atmosphere.
7. The park was hardly ever used, the car park was always empty….Our customers do fill up the car park not only to enjoy our burgers but also the park itself…(just so you know when NCA asked us to leave we weren’t as busy as we are now….so it had nothing to do with parking issues)
8.If we knew that we were going to be asked to leave after spending all this money to be set up at the Park and building our customer base we would chosen another location.

This is hard for us both emotionally and financially especially when we have put everything we possibly can into it…it is working at the moment…We thank all our customers and appreciate their support greatly… If we do have to move…where would we go and will our customers follow?? I don’t know…

pepmeup said :

The only reason people are going to Brodburgers is because Canberran’s are like sheep.
{snip}

Seems to me that the latest trend is calling out Canberrans for being sheep!
It’s equally trendy to be anti-trendy – ask an emo kid – they’re naive and contemptuous too.

Of course knowing that won’t stop you making up shit about a place that you’ve never been too; like assuming the place is overrun with “cool people”.

I doubt they’d get permanent NCA works approval for a caravan but they may get an extension to temporary works approval if they can’t find ‘more permanent solution’.

I wonder if any residents in the apartments on Blackhall Street in Barton complained?

Sal Paradise3:56 pm 12 Jan 10

Email from National Capital Authority today:

“Thank you for your email to the National Capital Authority (NCA) regarding the temporary food van ‘Brodburger’ located within Bowen Park.

The ACT Government Office of Regulator Services is responsible for issuing Hawkers Licences in the ACT. A Hawkers Licence is by its nature a temporary arrangement.

The NCA has issued a temporary works approval to Brodburger until the beginning of June 2010 in line with their current Hawkers Licence.

The NCA is working with the ACT Government land manager over the next months to develop an appropriate and more permanent solution or location for Brodburger.”

Looks promising?

How they got that much vinaigrette in one burger is beyond me. Ended up in the bin. I’ll give it one more try but I don’t expect much sadly.

I’ve never had a Brodburger, but I’d rather like them to still be available if I feel like having one.

gun street girl10:07 am 25 Dec 09

pepmeup said :

I have to agree with one of the points made by stereo henry. The only reason people are going to Brodburgers is because Canberran’s are like sheep. The new ‘cool thing, or place’ will always be popular. Had Brodburgers opened in the Canberra Center foodcourt would any of you know or care about it. I doubt it!
I’ve read all the reviews and yeah the burgers sound pretty good but most people say after forking out about $10 for a burger they feel like another one. So are they that small. Or are most of the commenters “big” eaters.
I also have an objection to menus without prices, which is the case with the Brodburger website. If they are such good value let people know.
Finally what is the big concern? there are plenty of vacant shops not just in the food courts but many suburban small shopping ceneters where something this ‘good’ could make a new start with such a loyal following…..
But I guess then it wouldn’t be as trendy, and the customers would be less likely to be seen by all the other cool people.
I’m not exactly sure but last time I checked a hawkers license was about $60 a year. Maybe this entrepeneurial chef should be putting a little more back into the community than cholesterol.

I certainly can’t speak for everyone, but the reason I go to Brodburger is because the food is good. Personally, I don’t give a damn about trends – and certainly, if the same outfit ran out of a trendy little Kingston eatery, I probably wouldn’t go there as often. Why? Much of the attraction of these burgers is due to them coming out of a little van by the side of the road. Gourmet burgers in cafes are a dime a dozen (and indeed, far more expensive). Good food coming out of a dinky little caravan is extraordinary – and being able to put in an order, then wander off to eat by the side of the lake during a free evening is pretty bloody wonderful. When I want to eat at a cafe, I eat at a cafe. When I don’t, I like the fact that Brodburger offers another alternative.

As a shiftworker, having such an establishment open at odd hours of the night is a welcome addition to a pretty limited array of options. Moving into a kiosk or shopping centre would cut them off from clientele who don’t work 9-5. A crappy burger from a fast food chain will set you back somewhere around five bucks. I’m willing to pay roughly double that for quality ingredients, delivered by a bunch of people who appear to be working their asses off to make a success of their business. I for one am not in favour of getting in the way of that success.

Eyeball In A Quart Jar Of Snot12:46 am 25 Dec 09

pepmeup said :

I have to agree with one of the points made by stereo henry. The only reason people are going to Brodburgers is because Canberran’s are like sheep. The new ‘cool thing, or place’ will always be popular. Had Brodburgers opened in the Canberra Center foodcourt would any of you know or care about it. I doubt it!
I’ve read all the reviews and yeah the burgers sound pretty good but most people say after forking out about $10 for a burger they feel like another one. So are they that small. Or are most of the commenters “big” eaters.
I also have an objection to menus without prices, which is the case with the Brodburger website. If they are such good value let people know.
Finally what is the big concern? there are plenty of vacant shops not just in the food courts but many suburban small shopping ceneters where something this ‘good’ could make a new start with such a loyal following…..
But I guess then it wouldn’t be as trendy, and the customers would be less likely to be seen by all the other cool people.
I’m not exactly sure but last time I checked a hawkers license was about $60 a year. Maybe this entrepeneurial chef should be putting a little more back into the community than cholesterol.

“I’ve never been there and don’t know anything about the place or their product but…….”

Holden Caulfield3:44 pm 24 Dec 09

The burgers are plenty big enough, and after paying 17 bucks for an average burger and a handful of chips at All Bar Nun recently, I dare say Brodburgers are good value, too.

Anyway, the Crimes are no the case now:
http://www.canberratimes.com.au/news/local/news/general/residents-rally-to-save-burger-van/1712913.aspx

I have to agree with one of the points made by stereo henry. The only reason people are going to Brodburgers is because Canberran’s are like sheep. The new ‘cool thing, or place’ will always be popular. Had Brodburgers opened in the Canberra Center foodcourt would any of you know or care about it. I doubt it!
I’ve read all the reviews and yeah the burgers sound pretty good but most people say after forking out about $10 for a burger they feel like another one. So are they that small. Or are most of the commenters “big” eaters.
I also have an objection to menus without prices, which is the case with the Brodburger website. If they are such good value let people know.
Finally what is the big concern? there are plenty of vacant shops not just in the food courts but many suburban small shopping ceneters where something this ‘good’ could make a new start with such a loyal following…..
But I guess then it wouldn’t be as trendy, and the customers would be less likely to be seen by all the other cool people.
I’m not exactly sure but last time I checked a hawkers license was about $60 a year. Maybe this entrepeneurial chef should be putting a little more back into the community than cholesterol.

If they *DO* get the boot, maybe they can establish a customer list on the internet.

They then can have closed session guerrilla food van nights that are limited spaces, and location only announced a few hours beforehand like those guerrilla restaurants that are popular in more cultured parts of the world.

I would be on that list – mark my word

I’d really like to know what the reason is. Sasha looked too busy last night to ask!

gun street girl11:38 am 23 Dec 09

jasmine said :

This is bureacracy run amok.

What an earth was the reason behind the decision – as long as hawker rules are being followed and the van is hygienic what is the problem.

Totally agree RE bureaucracy. It’s complete speculation, but it wouldn’t surprise me if the pen pushers have been lobbied by some of Kingston establishments who probably don’t like that sort of competition (Brodburger must be making a pretty penny given the comparative low overheads – and good on them). Plus, I daresay the upkeep of a picnic spot that is – shock horror! – being used (!!) is likely too difficult for the public servants to manage. I mean, emptying litter bins, attending to the public loos and the like is an onerous task which we shouldn’t expect our administrators to deal with. It would be far more convenient to keep Bowen Park a desolate area where nobody goes.

This is bureacracy run amok.

What an earth was the reason behind the decision – as long as hawker rules are being followed and the van is hygienic what is the problem.

Canberra needs more character…not less.

Muttsybignuts10:33 am 23 Dec 09

Canberra has the rep of being boring and soulless and when something actually gets people talking because it is a little bit different ( i.e the burgers are actually good to eat)the government steps in to shut it down! There are a multitude of things that need addressing in the Capital and they waste time with kicking out a burger van. Good one.

And, for the record, I am a fat bastard and know good food from bad food. Brodburger is good food.

This should be the feature post on this site. We will miss Brodburger when it’s gone.

Next time the NCA is considering playing the “po-mo, so misunderstood” card, they should reflect back on this.

Meh too many planning departments in canberra anyway, who can remember which one is responsible where lol. Thats the point though in many ways, TAMS approving them and NPA denying them, when can Canberra be allowed to run itself properly when it comes to insignificant stuff like this? Not insignificant to the ppl obviously, but insignificant to the greater political machine in general, so why do they insist on being a nanny state?

ChrisinTurner8:19 pm 20 Dec 09

Mordd said :

if its in the parliamentary triangle though would it be ACTPLA thats forcing them out not the ACT government?

It would be NPA not ACTPLA.

Maybe it’s the “fairy lights” that are the problem. “Hawker’s Licence conditions” state:

People carrying on the business of a hawker in a public place do not adversely affect:
(i) public safety;
(ii) the free movement of people and vehicles;
(iii) the accessibility of premises, including commercial premises;
(iv) the accessibility of public amenities; or
(v) the appearance or amenity of a public place.
The use of flashing or strobe lighting is not permitted.
Vehicles, stands, displays or goods must not be positioned within 6 metres of a roadway or within 100 m of an intersection junction.
The locations specified in the licence must be managed in an orderly and safe manner and left in a tidy condition.
Any damage to the locations specified in the licence will be fully restored by the licensee to the complete satisfaction of the Territory, and at no expense of the Territory.
It is the responsibility of the person carrying on the business of a hawker to:
– maintain the locations specified in the licence in a good order and remove all litter and waste material daily;
– observe all relevant laws, regulations and codes of practice;
– display the hawker’s licence (including any exemptions under section 28) at the point of sale; and
– renew the licence by the expiry date.
Roadside signs are not permitted to be displayed.
Fluorescent colouring should not be used.

See http://www.canberratimes.com.au/news/local/news/general/van-damned-as-nca-bans-burgers/1710022.aspx for more info. The government giveth and then taketh away again. TAMS said “yes” and now the NCA says “no”. Don’t you love inconsistent decision-making (or non-making)? How anyone bothers getting a business started is beyond me.

Anyone know what a “works approval” is and what’s involved in getting one? Is the problem something to do with waste management, or lack of permanent access to power/water?

Maybe if we all send emails to the NCA and/or TAMS they will think again. I’m sure there’s someone sitting there ready to claim “We received no comments from the public in favour of Brodburger staying there, but two passers-by claimed the frying burger smell offended them, so it has to close.”

I wonder if the same issue is affecting Gaby’s behind PM&C. I know that area is in need of a big cleanup so hopefully he’s just being asked to relocate for a while.

gun street girl10:03 pm 19 Dec 09

emd said :

Was there any reason given for why they’ve been asked to move on?

+1. Anyone know the inside skinny?

stereo henry said :

EyeLikeCarrots said:

Alot of people enjoy the food from Brodburger, you’re entitled to your opinion. If you want to defend Gabby’s caravan (which I haven’t tried or heard off), start your own thread.

curious, considering you’ve posted a remark about Gabby’s on this thread http://the-riotact.com/?p=11529

me smells a rat

perhaps Gabys was just THAT forgettable he forgot the name after what sounds like an ordinary feed.

I will admit i do have an interest in the continuing trade of Brodburger as aside from the R.U.C it is the only other place to get a cheap and easy feed in walking distance of home.

Eyeball In A Quart Jar Of Snot2:12 pm 19 Dec 09

stereo henry said :

case in point: the flock; enjoy your $9 burgers, chumps

Another weak argument.

As for Gaby’s: Maybe if his food was a lil’ better people might be a bit more vocal about him having to move on.

I was at Brodburgers last night and signed the petition. I think it’s sad that both Gabby’s and Brodburgers have been asked to move on, when they both seem to do a good trade. I think Brodburgers serve one of the best burger around, although at Gabby’s you get your meal under 10 mins and it’s a fairly descent feed – the chips and gravy at Gabby’s are awesome. (Btw, Gabby’s is located behind the PM&C building in Barton, though I’m not sure if they open at night – very popular at lunch hour amongst the public servants that work around there).

you’ll all get too fat and contribute undesirably to the nation’s obesity problem eating hamburgers, anyway – the gov’t are simply trying to protect your health, they are acting in your interests. go to a road side fruit and vege vendor instead. i wonder if that would be closed down if it opened up in that carpark? i wonder if would have even been allowed to within a 300km radius of fyshwick markets…

stereo henry7:14 am 19 Dec 09

EyeLikeCarrots said:

Alot of people enjoy the food from Brodburger, you’re entitled to your opinion. If you want to defend Gabby’s caravan (which I haven’t tried or heard off), start your own thread.

curious, considering you’ve posted a remark about Gabby’s on this thread http://the-riotact.com/?p=11529

me smells a rat

stereo henry7:09 am 19 Dec 09

And, for the record, there was no comparison of Gabby’s to Brod. I was merely stating that Gabby is being asked to move on as well and that this is perhaps more significant in that he was the Canberran pioneer of the Cafe de Wheels concept.

http://the-riotact.com/?p=11529

PS: last time I ate a Maccas we were still using paper notes

stereo henry6:59 am 19 Dec 09

case in point: the flock; enjoy your $9 burgers, chumps

therealarigold10:12 pm 18 Dec 09

Its a shame if they have to move on, its now got to a point where you get there and the line is THAT BIG you just say F@#K it and get back in the car and go somewhere else. Problem is the burgers are Awesomely Good sometimes you line up just for the sake of it. Maybe moving to small shopping centre ala Cooleman Court, Erindale Centre etc etc….. Wadda you guys think about this? Stay or Go???

Henry’s Cafe de Wheels has suffered similar problems in the past, and amazingly also has its own detractors who reckon the food isnt that good. I haven’t heard of this place before but damm if I am determined to track it down and try one of these burgers now.

Best I can suggest is massive lobbying campaign to let them stay, if its in the parliamentary triangle though would it be ACTPLA thats forcing them out not the ACT government? Maybe the solution would be move somewhere out of ACTPLA controlled parliamentary area into somewhere the ACT government can give them a permit to operate that is suitable for parking, litter, noise, etc… I mean come on, canberra is dead at night and there are plenty of green spaces all around the city that could accomodate something like this without massive problems surely.

deye said :

One of those little huts they have in front of Waters edge seems to be vacant, maybe they can move into there.

Great idea! I don’t know what the rent would be like, but if they are forced out of that bright little caravan, it’ll do as a substitute. The NCA might also be happy to reduce brodburger’s ‘soul’ a bit by shifting it to an ugly top-heavy grey slab.

Parking isn’t quite as convenient, but it’s still by the lake, and might get more pedestrian traffic. The Water’s Edge is probably too posh to be a commercial threat, as they’re after different markets. The cafe on the other side, near that “gallery of australian design”, does not sell hot takeaway food if I recall correctly – just gelati and coffee.

What do you think?

One of those little huts they have in front of Waters edge seems to be vacant, maybe they can move into there.

Their burgers are pretty good, and it’s a great location.
Shame they’re being moved on.
If they are forced to close, how many employees will that put out of a job?

Didn’t I read recently that the local govt wants to encourage more lakeside food outlets?

Eyeball In A Quart Jar Of Snot1:19 pm 18 Dec 09

You’re comparing Brodburger with Gaby’s?

Ha!

As a local the crowds down at Brodburger is frustrating, but the burgers are excellent.

Oh dear, I now have to walk further.

stereo henry said :

It’s a burger joint and the burgers aren’t even that good. I’m still amazed that people will queue (sometimes for upwards of 30 minutes) for what is effectively a fish and chip shop burger with some fancy lettuce and a bit of brie.

The real story here isn’t even about Brodburger; it should be about Gabby’s caravan, which has been around significantly longer, sells real hamburgers (they’ll put hair on your chest), and is being asked to shut down after some 20 years serving Canberrans.

Let’s face it, Canberrans are sheep (more like lambs to the slaughter) who follow the flock wherever it may go – “wow! they serve burgers out of caravan? what a novel concept, we simply must go and try”.

Hey ‘stereo henry’ do you eat Maccas by any chance? Each to their own. If you don’t like Brodburgers don’t go. And where is Gabby’s caravan? I might go and compare and report.

Anyway, Bowen Park is in the parliamentary zone and there were no caravans on Griffin’s map of Canberra. Oh hang on, neither was Parkes Way, or most of the buildings in Barton. Me thinks it has to do with traffic and parking because it is just plain weird having crowds (aka more than 2 people congregating) in Canberra at 2am.

Sounds like stereo henrys application for a burger van got rejcted.

Stereo henry, I disagree. I reckon the burgers are great as do my mates. I don’t believe it’s herd-like behaviour that creates the queues at Brodburgers – I think it’s because the food is good. You should give your fellow humans a little more credit.

I would also be interested to know why it’s being shut down.

emperorminge11:25 am 18 Dec 09

That Stereo Henry bloke wouldnt know a good burger from a hole in the ground.

Gabbys? Mate, your kidding yourself. Gabby’s is greasy, sloppy, low budget gruel. Nice guy and all, but rubbish food.

I think its a little rich and lays on the faux anti-canberra angst a bit think to try and categorise folks who like a Brodburger as sheep. There’s a serious lack of decent burger joints in Canberra, so when one pops up thats even half good, its popular. I think you overplay the (or your) percieved mindless-ness of the Canberra public.

Sure – the Brodburger isnt curing canncer or anything, but it is a well made, fresh, tasty burger. Its that simple.

Burgers aren’t even that good? Have you been going to a different Brodburger to the rest of us?!

I’m all for leaving it where it is and how it is; the only problems it seems to be causing are some excess litter in the park surrounding it, and surely that could be addressed by putting in a few extra bins!

where is Gabby’s caravan located? be interested to see if its better than Brodburger.

eyeLikeCarrots9:43 am 18 Dec 09

Stereo Henry,

Alot of people enjoy the food from Brodburger, you’re entitled to your opinion. If you want to defend Gabby’s caravan (which I haven’t tried or heard off), start your own thread.

If you want to bleet (lol sheep) on about Canberren’s following the flock, start your own thread about that.

I totally disagree, stereo henry. I’ve NEVER had a burger that good from ANY take away shop regardless of whether it had wheels or not. The only thing that comes close are one’s I make myself on the BBQ.

The reason that was mentioned to me was that the caravan was an eyesore, and that it blocked emergency access to the park. Hardly insurmountable problems. The rumour mill says that a business or businesses from Kingston complained that they were drawing business away. Diddums.

stereo henry7:40 am 18 Dec 09

It’s a burger joint and the burgers aren’t even that good. I’m still amazed that people will queue (sometimes for upwards of 30 minutes) for what is effectively a fish and chip shop burger with some fancy lettuce and a bit of brie.

The real story here isn’t even about Brodburger; it should be about Gabby’s caravan, which has been around significantly longer, sells real hamburgers (they’ll put hair on your chest), and is being asked to shut down after some 20 years serving Canberrans.

Let’s face it, Canberrans are sheep (more like lambs to the slaughter) who follow the flock wherever it may go – “wow! they serve burgers out of caravan? what a novel concept, we simply must go and try”.

I’m convinced that the ACT Government and the NCA are in possession of something that looks like a geiger counter, but which actually provides a reading of an area’s character. It must be off the scale at Bowen Park these days…time to take remedial action to sterilise.

It’s so disappointing that there seems to be a fixation on closing venues, ruining streetscapes, and generally destroying character, charisma, and anything remotely organic that springs up in our town. I could begin a list, but that would be a pretty depressing way to start the day. Hands off Brodburger!

I emailed a pic with the sign thats on the caravan, hopefully it will get added to this post sooner or later

Was there any reason given for why they’ve been asked to move on?

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