Meet Lulu’s Patties. A brand that creates, makes and distributes a variety of homemade burger patties and is run by Alix de Verteuil. Alix has built her brand not only around supplying healthy, tasty burgers but also the fact that a burger can represent bringing people together over a meal. For Alix, a brand is more than a name.
“When I think of a brand, it is more than just a name. Through a customer’s eyes, it is something that provides both a factual and emotional connection to a product. This is why I have made every effort to make the brand a representation of my own personal values, and what better way of doing that than putting my own name at the forefront. For as simple as a burger can be, it is something that brings people together and can create community and happiness. When someone thinks of Lulu’s patties, they should think health, they should think flavour and they should also think of a good time. More importantly, nobody should be excluded from this experience for any one reason, which is why my goal is to make Lulu’s accessible, suitable for most dietary requirements and affordable to all those who want it,” says Alix.
When it comes to the name Alix admits that Lulu is actually her nickname. “Lulu is actually my “neighbourhood” nickname. For as long as I could remember my neighbours have called me Lulu. When I was trying to decide what to call my brand one of my best friends, who lives next door, confidently suggested “Lulu’s Patties”…and that’s all she wrote.” And so the brand name was born. When asked what inspired her to start the business, Alix’s answer was simple. “Honestly, my amazing family who motivated me and helped me tremendously over the years.”
As for whether Alix does this full time, she does not. “I do not do this full time. I’ve always loved cooking and thoroughly enjoy adding my twist and take on recipes and bringing people happiness through delicious food. I started making beef burgers for my family and friends. They said the burger patties tasted so good I needed to start selling them. After thinking about it for a while I decided to start selling while I was home from University every summer. At first it was mainly family, friends and my neighbours who purchased and then sales start to grow outside of that. I am forever grateful for everyone who’s recommended and purchased Lulu’s Patties. I have a full time job Monday-Friday so I make my patties on weekends. I know this has limited me in some ways with regard to business growth but I never thought a “summer project” would have developed into what it is today. I used to make each burger by hand with a small burger moulder, but now I have an automatic machine that allows me to be the most efficient I can be while limited to only working on weekends.”
There have been definite milestones for Alix along the Lulu’s Patties’ journey. “Purchasing an automatic burger machine. Supplying two customers who wholesale my burgers to other restaurants and individuals. From selling my patties to family and friends, to helping restaurants save time, cut costs by serving irresistible burgers that will have their customers coming back for more – that’s something I’m proud and grateful for.”
When it comes to her journey as an entrepreneur, Alix admits that she is still learning. “I have a lot more to learn and I know I will learn a lot more along the way but the main lessons I’ve learnt so far are to work hard and don’t be afraid to ask for help.” And when asked about advice for budding entrepreneurs, Alix says “Whatever you decide to do, do it with love and, most importantly, gratitude.”
Alix stands by the things that make her brand unique. “The flavour of my burger patties. I have a unique fresh and dried seasoning blend for each type of patty. I sell beef, lamb and black bean quinoa (vegan) patties. Additionally, I am the only one who makes the burgers so I am confident each time I make that the quality will be top notch.”
When it comes to the future, Alix wants to do more business with restaurants and caterers, as she provides patties wholesale. “In today’s world, so many people are focused on their health and feeding their family real food, so I want to get the message across that my burgers have no fillers and no preservatives, made with top quality ingredients, and are loved by people of all ages. In today’s busy world, I want people to know that you don’t have to sacrifice on taste and quality to make a convenient meal. There are not many meals more delicious and social than a burger with friends, and with our various patties, there’s something for mostly everyone.”
