Lisa and Henry Telles present (clockwise from bottom right) the Lahaina-Style Burger, Makawao Burger, Fish & Chips, Onion Rings and Tater Tots, along with Roselani Premium Ice Cream Strawberry and Chocolate Malts. Photo by Rob Reed.

LAHAINA – If eating bigger is better, then Teddy’s Bigger Burgers is certainly the place for you! With five successful locations on Oahu, Teddy’s has arrived on Maui in the Lahaina Gateway Center across from Lahaina Cannery Mall.

“When I moved to Oahu in 2002, I was a displaced software engineer as a result of the 9/11 tragedy,” said Henry Telles, who, with his wife Lisa, owns the new Teddy’s Bigger Burgers.

“I started working at Teddy’s on Monsarrat Avenue in Waikiki ten days after I landed on Oahu. Thus began my passion for ‘The Burger.’

“The recipe for the original Teddy’s Burger was created by the founders, Ted Tsakiris and Rich Stula,” Henry continued. “They always talked about wanting a place where you could get a good quality burger, like the ones they barbecued in their own backyard. Some of the burgers you are tasting today came from either my own imagination or the collaboration of all our employees and customers. We never discount the many suggestions we get. That is one thing I love about Teddy’s – they have always encouraged creativity.

“Since Teddy’s Bigger Burgers originated on Oahu, we aren’t just another Mainland franchise,” said Henry. “We are the first Teddy’s Bigger Burger to open on an outer island.”

And what a flamboyant Teddy’s it is! Decorated in shades of yellow, orange, blue and surfboards on the wall, you get a lift upon entering. And no – it’s not just for the younger crowd but for burger lovers of all ages, families and seniors included!

Teddy’s Bigger Burgers are available in three sizes: five-, seven- and nine-ounce. We enjoyed the Lahaina-style Burger with bacon, pineapple, Swiss cheese and jalapenos, while the Makawao Burger has a spicy tang with teriyaki, pineapple, Swiss cheese, bacon, onion rings and Wao Nehelo Hot Sauce. The extravaganza of all is Teddy’s Monster Double Burger: two 9-ounce patties cooked to your liking with 100 percent hand-pattied ground chuck. Try to get your mouth around that one!

There are at least seven different burger choices on the menu plus many sandwiches and combo selections with awesome toppings to choose from, along with spicy, garlic or cheese fries, tater tots and onion rings.

Battered Alaskan Pollock served with tartar sauce, malt vinegar and lemon is the Fish & Chips Special, while the “Create Your Own Salad” section is included on the menu with impressive choices available: tomatoes, avocado, fresh mushrooms, “Craisins” and more. There’s something for everybody on the menu!

“We use only 100 percent Ground Chuck for our burgers that we hand-patty every day,” said Chef Henry, “and we also prep our veggies fresh every day using only quality ingredients.”

Besides absolutely enjoying the proposition of Teddy’s Bigger Burgers, perhaps my greatest treasure was, at last, discovering old-fashioned, made-to-order, extra thick malts and shakes… OH!! Teddy’s are award-winners! They are made exclusively with hand-scooped Roselani Premium Ice Cream (what else?)! When one asks for extra chocolate, one gets extra-dark chocolate! Flavors include vanilla, strawberry, peanut butter, root beer and pineapple.

“Teddy’s Bigger Burger has won ‘Best Burger’ on Oahu for the past 12 straight years, and our main focus everyday is on quality, service and cleanliness,” Chef Henry said.

“We want to be part of the Lahaina community,” Chef Henry added. “We always donate gift cards for fund-raisers, silent auctions and support the local school programs, from surf contests to school sports. There are so many ways to give back to the community – all you have to do is care!”

A fine addition to the many shops and restaurants in the Lahaina Gateway Center and located near Foodland Farms, you’ll certainly be eating bigger and better than ever when you visit Teddy’s Bigger Burgers. Hours are 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily. Call 661-9111.

Pau for now…