By Alesha Capone
Giving young people an opportunity to shine is a big part of the philosophy behind Burgies.
Brothers Ahmed and Ibo Safi own the burger business, which has outlets in Hoppers Crossing and Campbellfield.
“Mine and Ibo’s core belief is always about building up young people and giving back to the community,” Ahmed Safi said.
Between the two eateries, they employ about 25 people, many of whom start aged 15 or 16. Before starting out at Burgies, some of the young employees have previously struggled to find jobs, experienced mental health issues or dealt with alcohol or drug addiction.
“We have so many youngsters who people have not given an opportunity to,” Mr Safi said.
He said that when setting up the business, many people had urged him to establish Burgies in a trendy, inner-city suburb.
But Mr Safi said that he and Ibo wanted to base their business in suburbs doing it a bit tougher.
“We grew up in these sorts of areas and we want to help out youngsters,” he said.
Burgies, at 226 Old Geelong Road, Hoppers Crossing, will host a family event on Friday, February 1, from 7pm.
The event will include a burger-eating contest at 9pm, with entrants consuming ‘The Lava’ burger, which weighs in at a kilogram. Entrants must be aged 18 or above.
Details: burgies.com.au
