T here was the traditional birthday cake at the Marine Corps Birthday Ball at Ave Maria University Friday night, but most of the more than 150 people attending were looking forward to something else on the menu -- the Gyrene Burger. If the reaction of the admitedly biased diners was any indication, Gyrene Burger founder Tom Monaghan might have another successful venture as a second act to Domino's Pizza.
"Five Guys burgers had better watch out," said one diner after putting away a deluxe burger with two beef patties, bacon, cheese, lettuce and tomato. Right, Gyrene Burger manager Adrian Martinez serving the dinner's main course.
Mr. Monaghan announced his new venture earlier this year and says he hopes to open his first store in downtown Naples by mid December. Gyrene Burger will be take-out or delivery only and will offer a choice of two types of hamburgers -- no fries, sides or drinks.
 "Our objective is to average 10-minute delivery, which is unheard of in the food delivery business," Mr. Monaghan said at the event Friday, where he also showed the company's first delivery vehicle -- a motor scooter. Left, the delivery scooter, which will have an insulated box under the seat.
He has two stores planned to open in the next few months in Naples, and hopes to build a franchise business.
At first, he said, he will offer franchises "exclusively to former Marine Corps officers and Ave Maria University graduates."
"The venture is to provide funds for Ave Maria University," Mr. Monaghan said, "And I hope it is as successful as the pizza business was for me."
The ball is held each year to rais money to fund scholarships for veterans of the U.S. armed forces.
Below right, the ceremonial cutting of the cake for presentation to guests of honor.
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