Brothers Diego “Dino” and Peter Bullara, along with chef and nephew Chris Piccininni, had large aspirations for their restaurant.

Since Aug. 20 Sharks Burger has helped hungry customers chomp on enormous Angus burgers, sandwiches, fluffy fries and golden-brown tater tots.

The business is located inside the Shell Texan Mart at 12681 Hero Way West, Leander, and Dino said he hopes it will take people just one trip to the eatery for them to become regulars, or as the business slogan says, “Join The Frenzy.”

“We like to see people eating and smiling,” Dino said. “We’re unique, especially since you can build your own burger.”

For Peter what sets Sharks Burger apart from other burger eateries is the menu setup.

“Everything is done to order,” Peter said. “You get a Sharks Burger, [and] you tell us what you want: mustard, mayo, ketchup, [or] barbecue [sauce].”

Sharks Burgers can be customized with a variety of cheeses and toppings such as bacon, sautéed mushrooms, roasted jalapeños, grilled onions and an extra patty. The eatery also offers breakfast tacos in the morning, with combinations such as chorizo and cheddar.

During Sharks Burger’s first two months open last summer, the eatery had only two employees, a number that 10 months later has jumped up to seven.

The brothers credit the use of social media for the rapid growth of the business. People who like and follow the Facebook page receive updates, including special off-the-menu burgers.

The three owners have more than 70 years of combined experience in the restaurant industry, and with that comes a focus on customer service. Peter said they need to master what they are doing now before expanding.

Dino said Sharks Burgers’ short-term goal is to stay local, in the Leander, Cedar Park and Round Rock area. For the long term he said they aim to have 200 stores across the globe.

“We went with a good, wholesome food that everybody eats,” Peter said. “If you could do it at a gas station, you can do it anywhere.”

Sharks Burger
(located at the Shell Texan Mart)
12681 Hero Way West, Leander
512-259-5200
Hours: Mon.-Sat., 6 a.m.-8 p.m., closed Sun.
Breakfast served from 6-11 a.m.