The Secret Behind Blackpool’s $1 Burger: How One Business Defies Inflation

In the seaside resort town of Blackpool, England, a small burger stand has captured attention by defying economic trends. For nearly two decades, Higgitt’s Las Vegas Arcade and £1 Burger Bar has maintained its signature burger price at a little over $1. Chris Higgitt, the owner, has kept it consistent since he opened the business in 2006. The burger includes a bun, English beef patty, onions, and sauce.

Why the Bargain Burger is Popular

Higgitt attributes the burger’s enduring popularity to its unbeatable price. He stated, “I am very proud of being able to keep the price for this long.” The low-cost burger has become a major attraction, drawing long lines of tourists during peak season. Higgitt noted that some customers wait over an hour to purchase one.

Before his venture into burgers, Higgitt had a background as a processing and quality engineer. He operated a bed-and-breakfast with his wife, Karen. The idea for the burger bar came in 2006, shortly after they acquired an arcade that wasn’t performing well. “The arcade wasn’t performing very well and Karen and I were talking about what we could do, and we thought of a burger bar,” Higgitt said.

“So from this off-the-cuff conversation, I sat down and did the math, and figured out I could sell them for £1.” – Chris Higgitt

Operational Efficiency and Marketing Strategy

The burger bar has evolved from a side project into the couple’s primary income source. Today, about 90% of their revenue comes from burgers, with operations running from March through November. Higgitt credits a mix of efficiency in operations, bulk purchasing, and social media exposure for maintaining low prices.

Each burger costs roughly 68 cents to produce, considering ingredients and electricity. “Keeping prices low depends on buying ingredients in bulk and attracting a steady stream of customers,” Higgitt explained.

Social media plays a crucial role in drawing traffic. Videos from TikTok creators and YouTubers often lead new visitors to try what is described as Britain’s cheapest burger. “I am always welcoming [toward] food YouTubers or TikTokers who come along and record themselves trying the burger,” Higgitt said. This publicity encourages more people to visit and experience the excitement.

Apart from burgers, the stall offers hot dogs, Spam sandwiches, and sausage sandwiches, enhancing its appeal to tourists and locals alike.