PHOTO: David Hicks has been serving up speciality smash burgers from his backyard in Invercargill. KAVINDA HERATH/STUFF
It’s certainly an unexpected place to grab a meal.
Nestled in the backyard of suburban Invercargill, David Hicks trades in his parental responsibilities for burger-flipping duties.
Rad Dad, a lunchtime burger joint, only operates on Thursdays and Fridays, sandwiched between his school drop-off and pick-up schedule. Every week, Hicks crafts a unique and quirky burger with an unusual name.
This venture isn’t just a business; it’s a wellspring of enjoyment, motivation, and pride for the father of two. His career in conservation was cut short due to an autoimmune disease that forced him to scale back his work.
About three years ago, as his illness made full-time employment increasingly difficult, Hicks was sitting on the couch, feeling sorry for himself. But his delectable smash burgers had always been a hit, and he’d been watching plenty of foodie content on YouTube, so he decided to give it a shot.
@raddadburgers Making this week’s special smashburger “I do believe in fairies” … feat: @Fix & Fogg peanut butter , @McClure’s pickles , Craftys Bar and Grill homecured maple bourbon bacon, caramelised banana jam … oh and hundreds and thousands.. yeah.. #sorrynotsorry
Initially, he started with events, but they proved exhausting. So he adjusted his approach, and in 2022, the backyard burger bar came to life.
It was a great fit, as it allowed him to work at a manageable pace without bothering anyone. The local council granted him a food truck license, enabling him to set up shop anywhere, provided he had the landowner’s permission.
While business is slower on cold and rainy days, there are times when Hicks needs to call in some extra hands to keep up with the demand. His clientele is diverse, ranging from professionals in suits from the city to tradespeople on their breaks.
Starting this week, you can have his creations delivered through Deliver Easy. Hicks takes pride in using local ingredients, with The Batch Cafe’s chili jam being a standout favorite.
His burger inspirations often strike during sleepless nights. Sometimes, it’s a catchy name that sparks his creativity, and other times it’s the challenge of transforming an idea into a burger.
@raddadburgers Open every Thursday and Friday from 11am – 2pm for your burger and beer cravings… #smashburger #invercargill #southland
Hicks has always had a passion for food, even though he isn’t a trained chef. This business model provides him the flexibility to prioritize his health and take care of his children, while minimizing food wastage.
It also allows him to close during holidays or open on random Friday nights or Saturdays when the mood strikes. For the most part, he has relied on advertising through Facebook and Instagram, but recently, he was encouraged to join TikTok, where one of his initial videos garnered an impressive 56,000 views.
SOURCE: STUFF