Exeter's existing independent burger restaurants say they're not fazed by the news Gourmet Burger Kitchen is considering a move to Exeter.
In fact, they say they feel "more confident than ever" following the news the city might be welcoming its fifth burger restaurant.
Exeter already has Urban Burger, Hub Box, Ruby Modern Diner and Byron Hamburgers.
And that's not to mention traditional outlets like Burger King and McDonalds.
There is already plenty of competition among the city's new generation of upmarket burger outlets.
One thing is for sure, Exeter has fallen in love with the once humble burger. And the city is fast becoming the burger capital of the South West.
Josh Shire, manager of Urban Burger in Queen Street, said he welcomed more competition.
He said: "I don't see it as a threat because we have our own unique selling point. We are the only burger restaurant in Exeter to make everything ourselves onsite – we even prepare our own meat on site every morning.
"Everything is locally sourced and 95 per cent of our menu is made from scratch, including our mayonnaise."
"We're really not worried about any more competition because we've got our own thing going on."
Ross Spiller, manger of Hubbox in Sidwell Street, said: "The more the merrier in my eyes – competition is healthy. There can only be so many in the city but it doesn't worry us in the slightest.
"We are a unique burger establishment; we're quirky and different from all the rest.
"We sell classic American-style burgers, but also offer vegetarian options – we do an amazing goat's cheese burger with red pepper."
Erin Allgrove, director at Ruby Modern Diner in Queen Street, said she'd like to see more independent businesses.
"There are plenty of great burgers on offer in Exeter already, with Ruby, Hubbox and Urban Burger, and other independent restaurants like Harry's, which means there's plenty of competition.
"I think there is a place for the chain restaurants like McDonalds, Byron and Gourmet Burger Kitchen, but I'd love to see more independent businesses going into the Guildhall, and make it a showcase for the great food we have in the South West."
Ms Allgrove said knowing where produce comes from is key to customer satisfaction.
She added: "Our customers chose us because of the quality of our provenance – all our ingredients are sourced from Devon and our meat, including our chicken, is free range.
"Our beef comes from a single farm in Mid Devon, our brioche buns are made by Emma Parkin at Emma's Bread, we have handmade gelato ice cream from Otter Valley Dairy, and our veg comes from Dart Fresh.
"This level of traceability is becoming ever more important as consumers start to question where their food actually comes from."Total to rise to five gourmet burger restaurants as newcomer sets sight on Guildhall development
A NEW chain burger restaurant has confirmed it is interested in opening a restaurant in Exeter.
The Echo revealed how a host of big names are lining up to join the Guildhall's new £12m dining quarter.
So far the only business named is Artigiano, which has confirmed it is in talks over a flagship rooftop bar above the former Pound Land building.
Since the story appeared last week there has been plenty of speculation about who else may be coming to the city.
Now burger outlet Gourmet Burger Kitchen says it is hoping to launch an outlet in Exeter.
A spokesman said it was too early to give any further details, but confirmed it was looking at the site.
Other big name outlets contacted by the Echo, including Pieminister, TGI Friday and Pret A Manger, said they had no plans to join the list of new restaurants eager to come to the city.
Naturally fast food restaurant, Leon, said it wouldn't rule out opening a branch in the future.
Property Director Adam Blaker, said: "We have no current plans to come to Exeter, but it has crossed our minds in recent months, and we are in talks with our agents for our strategy in 2016/17 for where we open.
"This year we are very much focussed on London, but it wouldn't surprise me if Exeter is on the list and we open one in 2017."
A contractor is due to be appointed imminently to carry out the major revamp of the shopping centre, built in 1977, with works expected to start in the spring and be completed by spring next year.
Before then a new-look High Street entrance to the Guildhall Shopping Centre, incorporating a retail unit and four flats, is due to be finished in October this year.
Two temporary malls will be created during the works to maintain access for shoppers and minimise disruption.
