Established: 1996

Location: 606 W. Northern Lights Blvd., Anchorage, Alaska, 99511

Telephone: 907-336-7657

Focus of service: Healthier fast food is the motto at Alaska Salmon Express.

Owner Les Burtner, a commercial fisherman for 30 years out of Bristol Bay, serves ocean run salmon, with the focus on Alaska freshness - no steroids, no hormones, no stimulants.

The drive-through restaurant, as part of Lady Marion Seafoods, Inc., has been in business for seven years, according to the company executive summary.

Burtner also does a brisk business at the downtown Saturday market in Anchorage for 18 weekends in the summer.

The store's trademark product is its salmon quesadillas.

"That's what I'm best known for," Burtner said. "That's my flagship. I'm often known as the salmon quesadilla guy, and that doesn't bother me."

The drive-through also delivers, and the menu includes gourmet salads, burritos, kabobs (salmon and halibut), chicken and espresso. It also has a veggie grill.

Said manager Delores Gutierres: "Les has got a niche here. If we can eat healthy while we're in a rush, it will really help people."

History of company: Salmon Express has operated at its Northern Lights location for four years. It operated for the previous year on Huffman Road.

Burtner came to Alaska in 1964, just after the big earthquake, from Missouri to seek adventure.

He still fishes commercially in Bristol Bay in a 32-foot gilnetter, the "Jessie Lucile." The boat is pictured on the takeout box.

Burtner invested about $50,000 in startup costs and boat upgrades to process fish onboard and bring it fresh to customers.

Major accomplishments: Salmon Express has about seven employees in the summer and two in the winter.

Burtner has three years remaining on his lease at Northern Lights, and is hoping to expand to the Lower 48. He also wants to expand the franchise to indoor food courts, including the new concourse at Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport. The indoor stores are called Cojo's, according to a grant proposal to the state.

"What I've tried to do is expand my scope and diversify my operation," Burtner said.

The business has been growing and Burtner has built up a loyal following.

"Most of my business is lunch," he said. "I have quite a following. A lot of people appreciate my food."

Major players: Burtner, Gutierres and Judith Burtner, Les' wife, who is vice president and finance director.

- Pat King