THE owner of a Basildon burger joint has spoken of his joy after winning an award for a third consecutive year.

DB Shack, located in The Castlemayne Pub on The Knares, have celebrated after winning TripAdvisor's Travellers' Choice Award 2024, which honours businesses which consistently earn top reviews placing them in the top ten per cent of listings around the world.

Wayne Bond, owner of the burger business, was delighted after receiving the accolade and expressed his gratitude to customers who helped the business reach this point.

The team - Wayne Bond with his team at the Small Business AwardsThe team - Wayne Bond with his team at the Small Business Awards (Image: DB Shack)

He also thanked his staff for their hard work and dedication which “made the achievement possible,” adding they were the backbone of DB Shack’s success.

He said: “It’s pretty amazing, we’ve been there for the good part of a year now. To receive the award for the third year running, I’m really happy with that.

“For someone who doesn’t come from a food background, I think we’re doing alright. The food is unlike anything else you can get in Basildon.

Delicious - One of the burgers on offer at DB ShackDelicious - One of the burgers on offer at DB Shack (Image: DB Shack)

Tasty - Some of the ribs on offer at the shackTasty - Some of the ribs on offer at the shack (Image: DB Shack)

“I’m proud of the team, they’re really consistent. It’s taken us a long time to find the right team who are passionate about what we put out.

“It’s been an emotional rollercoaster, and it’s good to still be here considering others are closing their doors and the questionable state of the hospitality industry at the moment.

The owner - Wayne BondThe owner - Wayne Bond (Image: DB Shack)

“We’ve gone up against some big names, to have the accolade of the top restaurant out of 143 in Basildon is pretty special. We’re very, very happy with that.”

Mr Bond told the Echo getting to this point had been “tough” for the business, having bounced back from a kitchen fire in its first year open, and endured the cost-of-living crisis.

Award winning - Wayne Bond posing with trophiesAward winning - Wayne Bond posing with trophies (Image: DB Shack)

He said the restaurant will be reviewing its menu to introduce meal deals as well as bringing back the “boss bucket,” while it is looking to hold by American-style smoked events.

The owner often knocks on doors on streets within his restaurant’s delivery range as part of promotion, where he will explain who the restaurant are, and if the resident already happens to follow the business on social media, he will offer them a free dinner.