Burger News

A Fat new burger chain from California is coming to Dallas

Fatburger is coming to Texas.

Fatburger

Another California-based burger chain has set its sights on Texas. Fatburger is planning to open 25 restaurants in the Lone Star State, primarily focused on Houston, Austin, Dallas, and San Antonio.

The expansion springs from a new partnership between Fatburger parent company FAT Brands Inc (as in "Fresh, Authentic, and Tasty") and Dallas-based company Croft Ventures, LLC; the companies did not specify when and where these new burger joints will open.

"The great state of Texas has spoken, and we are answering by developing 25 new Fatburger locations for the market," said FAT Brands CEO Andy Wiederhorn in a statement. "We are thrilled to offer our delicious, homemade burgers to Texans for many years to come."

The chain was founded in 1947 in Los Angeles by Lovie Yancey as a hamburger stand called "Mr. Fatburger." Yancey dropped the "Mr." from the name in 1952 when she split with her business partner, and "Fatburger" was born.

Since the '90s, the company has grown to over 200 locations worldwide.

FAT Brands also owns concepts such as Elevation Burger, the Ponderosa steakhouse, and Buffalo's Cafe.

From a Texan's perspective, comparisons with In-N-Out — the other California-based burger chain that's been expanding in Texas — are inevitable but misguided. At one-third of a pound, a standard Fatburger is heftier than the 2-ounce basic In-N-Out burger, and has more of a hand-formed, less symmetrical appearance.

In addition, Fatburger's come with more toppings. The standard mix consists of mayo, lettuce, tomato, pickles, onions, relish, and mustard; diners may also add bacon, cheese, chili, onion rings, or a fried egg.

Non-beef eaters may opt for a turkey burger, a veggie patty, or a vegan Impossible Burger. The menu also includes chicken wings that come in 13 flavors, milkshakes, and fries (both potato and sweet potato).

In Dallas, Fatburger will enter a crowded burger marketplace, with national chains such as Shake Shack, In-N-Out, and SmashBurger, as well as local/regional favorites such as Hopdoddy and Liberty Burger. Nevertheless, the company is confident it can make a splash.

"Texas is one of the fastest growing states in the country, and we can’t wait to turn Fatburger into its new staple burger joint," Croft Ventures CEO Curtis Croft said. "We are ready to expand Fatburger to the state where everything is bigger."

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RIP Al

Beloved Dallas restaurateur Al Biernat dies at 69 after ALS battle

Dallas restaurateur Al Biernat, RIP

Beloved Dallas restaurateur Al Biernat, founder of the acclaimed local steakhouse Al Biernat's, passed away on November 13, following a battle with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, also called ALS or Lou Gehrig’s disease; he was 69.

Biernat was one of Dallas' all-time great hospitality figures, dating back to his days at The Palm steakhouse, for whom he worked in Los Angeles, Houston, and Dallas.

Biernat founded his namesake restaurant in 1998 on Oak Lawn Avenue, where his standard of excellence and doting charm made it a destination for special occasions, Park Cities swells, and celebrities in town.

His sense of hospitality had little competition in Dallas. He was a charming and personable host who genuinely liked people, and it didn't matter whether you were Conan O'Brien, David Crosby, or one of the other high-profile diners that visited his restaurants — or else just a regular schlub: He had a knack for making everyone feel special and remembered.

Biernat was born on August 20, 1955 and grew up in Michigan, then lived in Colorado, New York, Los Angeles, and Houston, before moving to Dallas to work at The Palm in the West End, where his dynamic presence gave the restaurant an incomparable vitality; it closed in 2017.

He opened Al Biernat's at 4217 Oak Lawn Ave. in 1998, followed by a second location in North Dallas at 5251 Spring Valley Rd. in 2017.

He began to experience ALS symptoms in May 2023, was diagnosed in December, and revealed his condition in February 2024. The revelation was met with an outpouring of sympathy and well wishes from the hospitality industry — a sign of the high regard in which he was held.

The average life expectancy for people with ALS is two to five years after diagnosis. Symptoms can begin in the muscles that control speech and swallowing, or in the hands, arms, legs, or feet. He began to have difficulty communicating in September, and spent his last days in a hospice.

On September 18, he broached the topic of dying, before ending on a note of gratitude to friends and family.

"Having Bulbar ALS I am realistic about my future," he said. "Friends and family have asked me if I’m afraid of dying, and this is what I say to them. Because of the salvation of Jesus, I will be rejoicing in my spirit to see him in all of his glory. Since we are all flesh, soul, and spirit, only my flesh is being left behind. But don’t get me wrong, I have a blessed life in this world, with a loving wife, and a beautiful family and many wonderful and caring friends. I am grateful!"

Both Al Biernat's locations will continue to remain open under the management of Biernat's nephew Brad Fuller, as they have for nearly the past two years.

Biernat is survived by Fuller, as well as his wife Jeannie and three daughters: Angelica Saylor, Kaitlin Biernat Connell, and Jess Biernat and grandchildren. According to family members, details regarding a celebration of his life will be announced soon.

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