Meet the team behind new Congleton business Yankees Burgers
By Alex Greensmith
5th Jul 2022 | Local News
A taste of the USA has come to Congleton, with the latest offering to open in Capital Walk.
Almost a month after the food and drink hub opened their doors, a new food outlet has opened.
Yankees Burgers offer flavourful Smash Burgers and Milkshakes, with an emphasis on local produce.
Five are employed at the new burger joint, which was started by Director of Yankees Edward Cayton (39).
Yankees is Mr Cayton's second business in Capital Walk. Ed had previously teamed up with the Zumuku group, and opened Skew-Up pan-Asian BBQ last month.
"We want everyone in Congleton, when they think of the best burgers or milkshakes, to think of Yankees," said Ed.
"We're always going to evolve the menu, which will have seven to eight burgers and five to six milkshakes.
"I am in love with Congleton. And there is a huge gap in the food market here."
Congleton resident Connor Shotton-Bos (23) is Head Chef and Manager at Yankees.
"A Smash Burger is quality in-house mince meat, that we press with a steak press in a process called the Maillard effect," said Connor.
"It is a sort of caramelisation which breaks down and browns the crust on the meat, locking in a juice with an intense flavour and crispy texture.
"Our signature menu item is the Yankees Burger, which is a double beef smash patty, with classic American 'naughty' cheese, with a homemade mustard sauce and secret recipe fries which are freshly made on a daily basis.
"We are currently working on our vegetarian and vegan menu, as well as a gluten free option, which I've sort of tried to do with our Nacho Chicken Burger [which uses corn around the meat instead of breadcrumbs]. And we'll have gluten free buns in the future as well."
Yankees use a Congleton-based supplier for their locally-sourced produce. This includes their Milkshakes, which can be enjoyed on their own or with a burger.
"We use malt milk powder to give our milkshakes a real creamy taste and thick texture, which is how American milkshakes used to be," explained Ed.
"We're always open for growth, so while we don't want to open with a huge menu as we're focussing on consistently serving the best quality we can, we would not rule out a vegan milkshake option in the future."
"And the fact that Connor wants to be a business owner in the future attracted me to hiring him. Joining myself, and the team across Yankees, Skew-Up and Zumuku. We all want to invest in people and promote growth."
"With Connor I'm pleased to say I've found the best person who can put the vision to the plate, with his own twist. He's a very creative chef."
Connor has lived in Congleton for four years, and has previously been a chef at Swan Bank's The Lion and Swan.
Taking on a managerial role as well as the Head Chef is a dream come true for the Wagg Street resident.
"Originally my personal ambitions as a young chef was to have my own place," revealed Connor.
"Lockdown didn't help with that. But given the amount of growth that is going on within the town, it is amazing to help something grow that is new and fresh with this opportunity here.
"And I'm thankful for Ed for that. The relationship I have with him is great, we're working very closely together to make sure our product is at the highest standard possible, so we can give the customers the best experience in town."
"And I have a love Congleton as a town for having homely feel to it, it reminds me of my hometown."
"What also sets us apart from other businesses in Congleton and Capital Walk is that we have an open kitchen, so you wan watch us put the burger on the grill, and wrap it up.
"This means we can also see people's reactions when they taste it. Watching people take photos of their burgers as well is also the biggest compliment, because we know they're enjoying it."
Each Yankees burger is marked with an edible stamp, which marks a seal of approval, and also adds value and 'Instagrammability' to their product.
"We were so busy on the first day," Ed recalled.
"People were very surprised at the quality of the food.
"A few comments have mentioned that for £12, the fresh homemade burgers that you get is of such a high standard.
"Which is exactly what we want to hear, we want to be serving quality, affordable food, especially in this current climate.
"Capital Walk is offering something very different to everywhere else in Congleton. It is very relaxed, very modern. I like how I can come in here and have all sorts of different food from around the world, and that excites me.
"I like how vibrant, informal and casual it is here, but you can have really great quality products.
"Every single business here are independent traders. Where else can you get real Japanese Chicken Katsu curries, pan-Asian barbecues, and Smash Burgers all in one place?"
They have ran a limited menu in their first week, and will expand their menu from Wednesday July 6.
They are looking for one more hire in their kitchen. Please contact them for more information.
Yankees diners can eat-in or have it delivered to your home by ordering online, however, a minimum amount and delivery fee may apply.
As well as Just Eat, they are also on Congleton Eats.
Yankees is located on 12 Capital Walk, High Street Congleton CW12 1WB.
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