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Poundtown Burger Bar, a popular local burger chain in Syracuse is expanding its presence in Central New York. The chain, known for its smashburgers, plans to open two new locations in Cicero and Auburn. The Cicero restaurant will be located in the Aldi Plaza on Route 31 and is set to open in mid-to-late April. The Auburn location will open in the former Citizen newspaper building on May 15.
Owner Randall Hon expressed excitement about the expansion, stating, "Syracuse just loves our burgers," and noted the success of the downtown location on East Water Street. The downtown restaurant, which opened in January 2025, shares a space with Big Fellas, a Cajun-pasta restaurant operated by chef Antoine Smith and former Syracuse University basketball center Eddie Lampkin Jr.
The new Cicero location will expand the menu to include items like chicken wings and Philly cheesesteaks, while maintaining the focus on smashburgers. Hon is also considering recreating the successful two-restaurant concept in Cicero, potentially pairing Poundtown with another brand in the same building. Additionally, the Cicero location will offer a special deal for Cicero-North Syracuse High School students, faculty, and staff: $16 for a burger, fries, and a milkshake.
Poundtown Burger Bar's commitment to quality ingredients and fresh preparation has made it a favorite among locals. The expansion reflects the growing demand for their comfort food offerings. As Hon puts it, "We're really excited about both of these locations. People want good comfort food." With the new locations in Cicero and Auburn, Poundtown is poised to spread its culinary delights even further across Central New York.