Marcus visits Staten Island, New York, next to investigate Standard Burger for a potential investment. Four friends Sammy Lazoja, Joseph Tranchin, Joe Covello, Todd Baslin and Fuiji Lazoja own part of the company. Sammy decided to call in Marcus once recognizing that the company needs help. Standard Burger is similar to most burger places as they sell burgers, fries and shakes. When Marcus is asking the owners questions, he quickly learned that the friends are constantly arguing with each other about the status of the business, although none of them are actually running the business on a day-to-day business. He also learns that an employee had quit because of some of the owners. Employee and apparent hard-worker Fuji Lazoja, Sammy’s brother, had felt threatened as he was constantly being watched by security cameras while working and had quit. In addition, the burgers are frozen and the restaurant is messy. Food costs amount to 50% of Standard Burger. Marcus sees potential in the business and offers $130,000 for 30% of the business. Fixes include renovating the restaurant with the inclusion of separate ice cream and potato stations. The menu is also changed to include craft sodas, beers and hot dogs. Marcus travels with the owners to a meat producer who makes huge hot dogs believing that this will attract new customers. Prices were also increased to meet the desire of a possible franchise owner.
Updates
Standard Burger has only kept one location open despite talks of more. A new partner named Tailgate Joe was also added; a good move according to better Yelp and Facebook reviews.