VIDEO: Hardee's opens to delight of burger lovers

While the snow fluttered outside, Dutchess County residents packed into Hardee's for a hot burger at the restaurant's grand opening.

The restaurant, among several Southern-based chains expected to come to Dutchess County in 2016, opened at 2265 South Road, off of Route 9 in the Town of Poughkeepsie, Tuesday.

Poughkeepsie-resident Melissa Faby, 27, said she heard about the restaurant from her husband, who used to live in the South where the restaurant chain is more prominent. Curious, Faby decided to stop by for lunch.

"I'm actually excited about trying the new restaurants coming to the area," Faby said.

Hardee's primarily operates in Southern and Midwestern parts of the country but has been moving into the Northeast, according to Hardee's regional marketing manager Kyle McTavish.

Aiming to present the chain as more of a fast-casual restaurant, the location is decorated with regional touches, such as wallpaper depicting the Mid-Hudson Bridge and the Poughkeepsie Train Station. The food is also delivered to the customer's table, rather than picked up at the counter.

Hardee's celebrated as Poughkeepsie opening nears

"As we move into the Northeast, we wanted to go for an authentic feel versus other fast-food restaurants," McTavish said.

Hardee's was visited by a variety of curious newcomers and passionate fans.

"We always find these die-hard fans that moved up from the South, as well as Carl's Jr. fans from out West," McTavish said. Carl's Jr. is Hardee's sister company.

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Throughout 2016, Golden Corral, Texas Roadhouse and Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen are all expected to open their first Dutchess County restaurants.

After talking on the phone with his son in California, Tony Diottauiano, 59, of Wappingers Falls, said he had to come and try a burger the day it opened.

"I paid about $20 for two Steakhouse Thickburger combos and it was well worth it," Diottauiano said. "Just look at the size!"

Geoffrey Wilson: gwilson@poughkeepsiejournal.com, 845-437-4882, Twitter: @PoJoGeoffWilson