Zippy's Giant Burgers, which moved from its location in Highland Park on Holden Street s.w. to White Center had planned on a May 1 opening. That date has now been pushed back due to an issue with the building fire alarm according to owner Blaine Cook . "We're not even going to give a date now because it's out of our control."

5-3-11 UPDATE: We spoke with Blaine today and he told us that one of the people who must pass judgement on the building had some medical issues so that put another crimp in the timeline for Zippy's imminent re-opening. He assured us that we would be notified when he had a clear idea of when the inspections will be complete and he can open.

They learned about the problem Wednesday morning and it affects the entire complex that Zippy's is now part of at 9614 14th s.w. The exact day and time the landlord will resolve the issue is not known and since it will require work "in the ceiling" as Cook explained, he must delay the final health inspection until that work is complete. "I want this place to be pristine for the final health inspection," he said, "I've talked to him and he knows what's going on."

The signage for the building was done and was put up on Friday, with booths also being delivered for placement. A solitary pinball machine was in place because "they don't want to give us too many if they aren't making money and we aren't open yet," Cook offered.

The one side effect of the delay is that he's home more now. "My wife and daughter are both thrilled that I'm home and able to cook dinner and clean the house," Cook said laughing.

When they do open, don't expect balloons or a special ceremony. That's not Cook's style. "I don't like the term 'soft opening', we're just going to open. We're not going to have a grand opening."

The new location will likely be open a little later however. It will be open 10:30am to 9:00 pm Monday through Friday and 11:00 am to 9:00 pm on Saturday and 12:00 noon to 7:00 pm on Sunday.

Cook says he has plans to at some point open for breakfast too. "Probably here we will," he explained, "It's something we were always going to do at the other place but everything had to be done in the kitchen...and we've got all these people who wait for the bus over here."

The new location of course will serve beer, unlike the former space, and Cook said he plans on offering Pabst tall boys, Rainier tall boys, Miller High Life, Sessions, plus Peroni from Italy and possibly a Texas beer called Shiner Bock.

Cook said former customers, and neighbors are all stopping by hoping to see any progress but it's complete aside from a few kitchen details, and the fire alarm issue.

Zippys will employ eleven people, the same number as the former location.