Hat Creek Burger Co. owner Drew Gressett has opened four Austin-area locations in six years.[/caption]Hat Creek Burger Co. opened in 2008 as a downtown food truck off Sixth Street, and during the past six years it has morphed into four brick-and-mortar locations with two more in the works.
Owner Drew Gressett said he opened the eatery because he always wanted to run a burger restaurant, but his business has since evolved from burgers, fries and shakes to much more.
“The quality of our food is a huge pillar of our company. I’m taking my kids there three times a week, and our friends are doing the same thing. I’m eating there all the time,” Gressett said. “The quality of our food is just super, and it is of paramount importance to have an all-natural product and not cut corners on that.”
Gressett said he takes great care to ensure he serves high-quality food, and he is also passionate about making the experience family-friendly.
“We want to keep mom, dad and kids in mind. We wanted to have something for everyone. For instance, craft beer [and wine] is something we felt like moms and dads could enjoy,” Gressett said. “Chicken Flashers, although I eat them all the time. … We had our mind on the kiddos when we were coming up with it.”
Gressett partnered with Strange Land Brewing, which brews the beers for Hat Creek’s taps, to create Hat Creek Provisions. The venture ferments pickles, okra, carrots, sauerkraut and cucumbers with garlic and radishes. The specialty pickles can be a side or found on some of Hat Creek’s burgers.
Burgers and breakfast
Chicken sandwiches ($4.99) can come with a side of french fries ($1.99) or fried pickles ($4.99).[/caption]The Big Hat Burger gives patrons twice the meat as a regular Hat Creek order. The menu offers a variety of burgers and chicken sandwiches as well as Chicken Flashers—Hat Creek’s version of a chicken nugget—and salads. Entrees can be paired with fries, fried pickles and speared pickles, and the breakfast menu offers a selection of pancakes, breakfast tacos, breakfast sandwiches and yogurt.
Sips for adults and kids
Hat Creek sells domestic and specialty beers ($3.50-$4) as well as milkshakes ($3.99-$4.99).[/caption]There are five beers from Strange Land Brewing found on tap as well as a variety of wines and a rotating selection of milkshakes. Wine costs $6.49 per glass. Four of Strange Land’s brews are always available, and a fifth tap rotates based on season or availability. Milkshakes are available in small or large sizes and come with a variety of optional toppings—all at an extra cost for customers.
Specialty sauces
Made-in-house sauces come free with each Hat Creek Burger Co. meal order.[/caption]Hat Creek’s sauce selection also helps set the restaurant apart from other burger establishments, owner Drew Gressett said. The mustard-based Happy Sauce originated from his mother-in-law’s recipe, which he said was beloved by his family. Gressett said he enjoyed sitting with family and eating turkey sandwiches with her sauce. The Idaho Fry Sauce was concocted by Gressett based on inspiration he received while eating at Idaho burger restaurants. Hat Sauce provides more of a “kick,” Gressett said, and a spicier tone. All three are available with any order. Hat Creek also has locations in Georgetown, Westlake and Round Rock.
