Rob and Carmen May will celebrate Burger University’s fifth anniversary next April; however they said they are still making improvements to the restaurant.
Burger University, located on the Square in the historic Lockett Building, features a college theme, which was inspired by the restaurant’s proximity to Southwestern University.
“[When I took over,] I really started to take a keen interest in this building, and we have pumped a lot of money into it and a lot of resources, but it is well worth it,” Rob said.
Rob and Carmen said they have had aspirations to improve the restaurant since its opening, and they do not intend to stop improving it anytime soon.
“Our goal is to keep things fresh— not just our product, but also the freshness of our ideas,” Rob said. “We want to keep [the theme and the atmosphere renewed.”]
During the past several years the couple has expanded the restaurant’s menu, which is displayed on a chalkboard and known as the Undergradaute Curriculum, to include more options.
The restaurant originally offered 11 burgers, known as majors, but the couple expanded their menu in late 2015, Carmen said.
The new items are available off the Graduate menu, including the MBA, which comes infused with barbecue sauce and has bacon as well as fried onion and jalapeno strings on top, and The Chancellor, which is a half-pound of Kobe beef.
Burger University also offers Minors, or side dishes, such as handmade sweet potato fries and fried pickle spears. Customers can choose among Courses, which provide five different cheese choices, and Electives, which are optional toppings ranging from grilled pineapple to a fried egg.
The May’s goal to enhance the restaurant moves beyond the fresh, never-frozen food. The couple has plans to add more television screens and create another chalkboard that customers can write on while waiting to order, Rob said. The co-owners also want to increase the dessert menu, which currently features ice cream, shakes and homemade fried pies.
Rob and Carmen said they are also looking to expand outside Georgetown.
“One of the things we are contemplating for our future is the expansion [of Burger University,”] Rob said.
According to Carmen, no matter the location, the original ideals of Burger University, such as creating a comfortable and affordable environment for both students and families, remains a top priority.
“You can’t move to a community without having your burger joint that you want to hang out at,” Carmen said. “To have a place students can come and hang out [at], that is always an important relationship to us.”
Adding to the student-friendly space, Rob said Burger University offers Financial Aid, or a 10 percent discount for students, faculty and senior citizens.
Rob and Carmen said they will continue to serve their customers fresh food and incorporate new ideas to keep Burger University on top.
