Formerly known as Big Daddy’s (he says there was a naming rights conflict with a Big Daddy’s Diner in New York), the Dilworth and Ballantyne locations are already household names for Charlotte’s burger-philes. Building on that success, Scibelli says a third outlet will open in Concourse C at Charlotte-Douglas International Airport this October, with the fourth Bad Daddy’s to make its Birkdale debut in the location that once held Positano Osteria (next to Brixx Pizza).

Scibelli says in spite of the economy, he’s not concerned about opening two new business ventures within the next six months.

“People have gotta eat,” he says, “and we feel we do a really good job.”

He says the menu at Bad Daddy’s continues to evolve, and that in addition to the high-quality beef and produce that are already the staples of their offerings, he’s adding free-range chicken burgers and tuna burgers to the menu. They also make their own French fries in-house. Scibelli says those are ingredient distinctions that keep his customers coming back.

“They may not be foodies,” he says, “but they know what’s in it and that it just tastes better.”

He must be right, based on the fact that each Charlotte-area Bad Daddy’s goes through about 2,000 pounds of beef a week.

Scibelli says while he’s still waiting on final drawings from his architect, plans are to seat about 110 people indoors, with another 35 to 40 outside on the patio.

Once open, the Birkdale Bad Daddy’s will make the ninth property in Scibelli’s restaurant portfolio, which also includes the very successful Mama Ricotta’s, two Cantina 1511 locations, and Paco’s Tacos & Tequila. Scibelli says in the long term, he is exploring the option of franchising the Bad Daddy concept.

To peruse Bad Daddy’s burger and drink menus, visit www.bigdaddysburgerbar.com.