Patricia ’84 and David ’91 Bergeson are relishing their newest enterprise.
Pat, a retired educator, and Dave, a former investigator for the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, own Fizz Burgers & Bottles, a unique, upscale hamburger restaurant in east Wichita.
“It has energized us,” Pat says – an assessment Dave agrees with: “It’s a lot of work, but it’s fun.”
The venture, which opened in November 2010, is a family one. Their son, Scott, and daughter-in-law, Stacy, run much of the daily operations. Business has been good. Rave online reviews are common.
But the Bergesons readily admit that “Wichita has a burger joint on every corner,” so they work extra-hard to make Fizz different, stressing fresh ingredients, unusual menu selections – example: “boursin burger” and toppings that range from avocado spread to fried eggs. Fries, including sweet potato fries, can be dipped in anything from garlic aioli to smoked pepper mayo.
Fizz offers wine and bottled beer, and also sports an eclectic selection of old-fashioned and hard-to-find bottled soda pop. Ever heard of Freaky Dog Soda Rooff Beer?
Dave is enjoying the hands-on involvement with a burger business for the first time since he worked in a grill in the 1960s. For her part, Pat is learning new skills, bookkeeping and accounting. “It’s been a great experience,” she says.
