Vlane Carter’s entrance into the restaurant business was an uncanny venture. Born in New Jersey and raised in the South Bronx, the restaurant owner and sci-fi author initially sought a career in law enforcement, but later enjoyed a successful stint in IT. Before he opened Action Burger, Vlane’s fascination with sci-fi was already laying the ground for what would become an integral part of his future restaurant.
I walk into Action Burger with no expectations. Inside is a late ‘80s, early ‘90s video game-themed restaurant – game consoles and controllers alongside menus. At first, the no-frills, Williamsburg establishment looks like a simple burger restaurant, but a few steps toward the back, the cocktail bar begins. The bar half of the restaurant is a neon-lit section, furnished with its own game consoles and pinball machine. I sit down on the white, glossy bar stool and patiently wait; the kitchen door swings open and Vlane appears – the interview begins.
Roderick: So, what can you tell us about the origins of Action Burger?
Vlane: Well, my career in IT had ended under some unfortunate circumstances. My business partner at the time was a comic book fan and I had business and IT experience. We had ideas of a comic book-themed restaurant, and things just took off from there. We opened Action Burger in 2012.
While the modest space of the establishment has its charm, there’s nothing modest about Action Burger’s menu. The amount of food and drink options is pleasantly shocking. As I scanned the menu, two words caught my eyes: Nutella Burger. I had to put in an order.
I bit into the sweet waffle buns and immediately fell in love. The Nutella Burger is a perfect blend of sweet, salty and savory— no ingredient overpowering the other. Needless to say, I was thoroughly pleased with my burger and equally satisfied sipping my Black Island Ice Tea cocktail.
Roderick: So, the Nutella Burger is addictive [laughs].
Vlane: Glad you like it! I just wanted to do something different when I came up with the Nutella Burger. I also recommend Mac n’ Cheese Burger.
Roderick: I couldn’t help but notice how diverse your patrons are. There is a huge LGBTQ gaming community – did you make a deliberate attempt to include the LGBT gamers, or is that just a product of the environment?
Vlane: Honestly, there isn’t any deliberate attempt to be inclusive, It’s just part of the culture here. I know what it’s like to be discriminated against. There aren’t that many black-owned video-game themed restaurants. If you love burgers, video games and cocktails, you’ll be fine; everyone is welcome.
The restaurant is all fun and food, nothing too serious, a true gamer’s kickback (hangout spot). Vlane describes pushing past the voices of naysayers, in the earlier years of Action Burger. Today, Vlane is finding success where his naysayers once said he couldn’t. He’s spent over a decade perfecting the themes you’ll experience in his restaurant. In addition to the classic comic book staples, posters of Vlane’s sci-fi series, Bio-Sapien, can be viewed on the walls of Action Burger – a point of pride for Vlane as a science fiction author.
Roderick: Thinking about the future of Action Burger, what are some things that you hope to accomplish?
Vlane: I hope to franchise the restaurant. Maybe try Shark Tank again.
Roderick: You were on Shark Tank?
Vlane: [Laughs] Yeah, I only made it past the casting director, though.
Roderick: Can we expect anything new from the Bio-Sapien series?
Vlane: I’m going to focus on one of the characters, Bellona. I’d like to develop her story more. Maybe do a film adaptation. We’ll see.
Roderick: Time for some fun questions. Favorite movie this year?
Vlane: Alita hands-down. That’s the best sci-fi film I’ve seen all year.
Roderick: Favorite food and drink from the menu?
Vlane: Jaden Burger, that’s the ravioli burger. My favorite drink… I think the Green Goblin.
Roderick: Favorite video game?
Vlane: Oh man, it’s a tie, Marvel vs. Capcom and Street Fighter 2.
Roderick: Last question. Ever thought about an Afrobeats meets game night?
Vlane: We do Nintendo jazz nights, and ‘80s and ‘90s music, but that’s actually interesting. I may consider that.
Roderick: Vlane, thanks so much for the interview, and that Nutella Burger.
Vlane: No problem, thanks for coming by.
Go for the food, the cocktails, the video games or all of the above – Action Burger is a unique and nostalgic experience. Stop by 292 Graham Ave, Brooklyn, indulge, and enjoy yourself.
Roderick Thomas is an NYC based writer filmmaker
