Little Andy's Burgers Brings West Coast Flavor to Asbury Park
By Matt Doherty,
25 days ago
ASBURY PARK, NJ – What started as a casual cookout among friends has grown into one of the most talked-about pop-ups in town. Mike Solomon, owner of Little Andy's Burgers , is serving up California-style smash burgers at Confections of a Rockstar on Cookman Avenue. The journey, Solomon says, began by chance when he wowed a few friends with his homemade smash burgers. Their enthusiasm sparked an idea that led to the launch of Little Andy’s.
"Everyone was raving about them, so of course, the light bulb went off," Solomon shared, reflecting on his unexpected leap into the food business. Though the pop-up was born out of a casual gathering, Solomon's roots in the restaurant industry run deep. With family ties to Brooklyn bagel shops and a cousin’s bakery in Manahawkin, NJ, the culinary world has always been in his blood. His love for cooking, passed down from his parents, inspired his passion, but Solomon is quick to credit his brother as the better cook.
Little Andy’s offers a unique twist on the classic smash burger, including a crowd favorite, the "Vaya Con Dios" burger. With its mix of Mexican chorizo, banana peppers, onions, American cheese, and a signature burger sauce, the pop-up’s offerings are unlike anything else in the area. "We put out a great quality product at an affordable price," Solomon said, explaining that the inspiration comes from West Coast staples like In-N-Out.
While the food is winning over taste buds, Solomon acknowledges the grind of running a food business. "As romantic as the restaurant industry sounds, it’s a total grind," he admitted. Partnering with Dan Nimrod has been essential in balancing the demands of a full-time job and growing the business. Staffing, Solomon notes, has also been a challenge, but he’s grateful for the help from friends Mark and Neil, who have been instrumental in keeping Little Andy’s running smoothly.
Despite the challenges, Solomon finds great reward in customer satisfaction. "It’s crazy to realize I’ve created something that people crave," he said, adding that he saves texts from customers who need their "burger fix."
For Solomon, Asbury Park is the perfect home for Little Andy’s. Having grown up visiting the area, he describes the community as one built on creativity and mutual support. "The town has a great community of people," Solomon said, explaining how fellow business owners in town have shown their support by sharing and promoting his burgers.
When asked what advice he would give to young entrepreneurs, Solomon stressed the importance of perseverance. "If you want it bad enough, go for it. Put in the work, and believe in yourself," he said, acknowledging that the road will never go exactly as planned but urging aspiring business owners to stay the course.
Little Andy's Burgers operates Friday through Sunday at Confections of a Rockstar, offering a taste of the West Coast with every bite.
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