Burger News

Cult California Fatburger chain opens first Texas location in Dallas-Fort Worth

Famed Fatburger has arrived in Texas.

Courtesy photo

One of California's most beloved burger chains has made its Texas debut: Fatburger, a chain founded in Los Angeles more than 70 years ago, has opened a location in the mid-cities, specifically North Richland Hills, where it's part of a co-branded concept along with Buffalo's Express, a chain that specializes in wings.

Co-owner Maisha Bankhead says that the restaurant opened on June 1, and had a line out the door all day.

"We open at 11 am but they started lining up at 10:30 am and it went that way all day, which has been a challenge with social distancing requirements, but we made it work," Bankhead says. "There are a lot of people who've had Fatburger in California who've had a built-up craving."

Fatburger has been eyeing Texas for more than a year, and there are other franchise groups who've announced plans to open. But this is, at long last, the first.

In a statement, FAT Brands CEO Andy Wiederhorn says that "many things have changed during the pandemic, but not Americans' love for delicious, freshly made burgers or spicy and flavorful chicken wings. We’re excited to open our first Texas location, a co-branded Fatburger and Buffalo’s Express, to help satisfy that hunger."

Fatburger is known for its juicy, built-to-order burgers. Founder Lovie Yancey was a trailblazer in the realm of toppings transforming a burger into a meal, beyond the usual lettuce, tomato, onion, and pickles, with bacon, eggs, chili, jalapenos, and onion rings.

In addition to burgers, Fatburger's menu also includes Fat and Skinny fries, sweet potato fries, Impossible burgers, turkeyburgers, chicken sandwiches, and milkshakes.

The chain has also become a favorite destination in Hollywood for celebrities and athletes.

Buffalo's Express is a fast-casual chicken wing chain that was founded in 1985 in Roswell, Georgia. It's currently co-branded with 72 Fatburger restaurants.

The menu includes bone-in or boneless wings with sauces that include Scorchin, Carolina Fire BBQ, Asian Sesame, Coconut Jerk, Honey Garlic, and Sweet Bourbon BBQ. Wings are accompanied by celery, carrots, and blue cheese, ranch or honey mustard dressing.

The North Richland Hills Fatburger and Buffalo's Express is at 6039 Precinct Line Rd., #180 and is open daily from 11 am-10 pm.

Bankhead says that, once she and her partners get their bearings, they plan to open two more locations in the DFW area.

burgers

FroYo News

Fro-yo chain Orange Leaf makes Azle debut in time for the holidays

Photo courtesy of Orange Leaf

undefined

A new frozen yogurt shop is bringing chilly delights to Azle: Called Orange Leaf, it’s a self-service fro-yo concept opening a new location at 828 Boyd Rd. #102, in a former chicken wing space.

According to a release, it will open on December 7.

Orange Leaf was founded in Oklahoma in 2008 and is known for its frozen yogurt, smoothies, shakes, superfood bowls, cake in a cup, and fro-yo cake.

They boast 12 flavors of yogurt, some distinctive such as toasted marshmallow, white chocolate strawberry, and birthday cake. As is often the case with self-serve shops, their machines are set up with two adjacent flavors so you can do a combo swirl. Toppings comprise more than 30 options, including fruit, cereals, nuts, boba, gummies, and cheesecake bites.

A cup of frozen yogurt goes for $8.

Bringing the chain to Azle are husband-and-wife Mike and Yvonne Higby. Mike is a retired Air Force veteran, and Yvonne was previously a paraprofessional for preschoolers in the Azle Independent School District.

According to a release, they chose to invest in Orange Leaf because they enjoyed the items as a treat with their two sons and wanted to connect with the community.

“I spent years in food service before joining the military, both of which allowed me the opportunity to connect with people, provide the best quality products and services and become a strong leader," says Mike in a statement. "The lessons learned along the way encouraged me to make a choice to take control of my life, which led me to entrepreneurship”

Orange Leaf is one of the brands under the portfolio of Brix Holdings, the Dallas-based restaurant franchise company. Sherif Mityas, CEO of Brix Holdings, shared excitement over the the couple leading the Azle opening.

“We’re confident that with their combined years of experience serving the nation and their community, they will provide an experience to their guests filled with care, passion and dedication,” says Mityas in a statement. “As we open our final Orange Leaf location for 2024, we are proud of our franchise partners and are eagerly looking ahead to the success of Orange Leaf Azle and many more locations to come in the new year.”

The opening of the new Azle store brings the chain to a total of 25 stores in Texas, including Austin, San Antonio, Spring, and Lake Worth. There are more than 60 locations across the nation.