Grand opening got a little too hot at Blazin’ Burgers

It was a grand opening no one will forget at Blazin’ Burgers in Dover Feb. 3. There was a ribbon cutting, lots of hungry and excited customers and just a small grill fire that brought the restaurant’s first day of operation to a halt.

The details were noted on the business’ Facebook page later in the day which read:

“We took “Blazin” Burgers a little too literally. We think our grill had a small gas leak and we had a grill fire that wouldn’t go out. We called the fire department as a precaution and to make sure it didn’t get worse. With that being said, we have to get a new grill and sanitize everything.”

It’s just another hiccup for owner, Samantha Frye, who at the age of 21 now owns two restaurants. After using her college fund to purchase her first restaurant, Rosalie’s in Strasburg, Frye has not let anything stop her.

A former employee of Blazin’ Burgers, the experience inspired Frye’s purchase of the restaurant.

“I used to work here back in 2021, I think probably when I was 16 or 17. I was at a pretty good place with Rosalie’s when I saw this place was for sale and had the idea,” Frye said.

“I came to the owners with an offer and here we are.”

Frye is not afraid of hard work and embraces the restaurant work pace.

“I honestly just love the fast-paced environment and the people, the community,” Frye said. “Like at Rosalie's, there is a good community there, we have the regulars who come in sometimes twice a day, and we get to know them. They become family. I really do enjoy that. And I just enjoy being busy.”

Frye said it took some time to get the licensing to reopen Blazin’ Burgers.

“It just takes time getting everything in order, and getting the place in shape,” Frye said. “I wanted to get everything completely done before we opened.”

Renovations included taking down wallpaper and painting. They also got new coolers.

There were not many changes to the menu.

“It hasn't changed very much. Honestly, it's almost exactly the same. There's one burger I took off, and if anything, I added a few items,” Frye said. “But, as far as price wise, that stayed the same for the most part, too, after the two years that they've been shut down. My goal is, I'm not in it to become rich, per se. I want to get good food out at a decent price, and to as many people as possible. So, my goal is volume.”

Frye was pleased that she was able to acquire the former Blazin’ Burger Facebook page that already had about 4,500 followers to help her get the word out. She has no other big plans at the moment.

“I think I'm going to pump the brakes for a minute. I'm just going to focus on this and get this a well-oiled machine before I think of anything else,” Frye said.

Since the reopening was announced there has been a lot of excitement among former customers who missed the restaurant.

“I'm just happy to be open and serve the community again, because I've missed the place too,” Frye said.

Now that the restaurant has reopened, don’t expect to see much of the new owner. Frye will be in the kitchen.

“I just enjoy cooking in general. That's where I'd rather be,” Frye said.

Frye purchase Blazin’ Burgers in June 2025.

“This was the first time working with restaurant that was completely closed for so long, so it took a lot longer than I expected to get it up and running,” Frye said.

When Frye purchased Rosalie’s it was a much different experience. There was no time that the restaurant was closed. The former owners ended their operation on a Friday and Frye took over ownership on Saturday.

Brad Buss of Dover was happy to be there for Blazin’ Burgers’ opening day.

“I've always enjoyed their hamburgers and French fries, so I wanted to come back and give them a try,” Buss said adding that his favorite item is the Blazin’ Burger which he paired with a large fry. “I'll make more trips now that it's open. I'm just glad to see it open again.”

Mayor Shane Gunnoe and a few members of Dover Council attended the ribbon cutting.

“I think it's a really great thing for the community. People are excited,” Gunnoe said. “We're just thrilled for Blazin’ Burgers. I was always, personally, a big fan and I think it'll be a great addition to our restaurant community.”

Blazin’ Burgers planned to get the restaurant back into operation this week. Check their Facebook page for updates.