Restaurant seeks to expand in Central Texas

After almost a year of doing business on the Square, Burger University co-owner Alan Grimsley estimates he has served more than 60,000 burgers.

Prior to opening the restaurant, Grimsley ran Star Burger in Liberty Hill. The restaurant burned down in November 2011.

Grimsley hoped to rebuild a new Star Burger location in Liberty Hill and posted an ad on Craigslist to find an investor. He ended up meeting Rob and Carmen May, who own the Lockett Building at 119 W. Seventh St.

The couple had been looking for someone to help open a burger restaurant in the historic building that had once served as a meat market and has since been home to several different restaurants.

"[Rob] brought me to this building and said, 'What do you think about this?'" Grimsley said. "I was born in Georgetown. [This restaurant] drew me back to my hometown. I felt like I was coming back home."

The trio decided to name the restaurant Burger University because of the city's ties to Southwestern University and created the restaurant's menu, which they call a curriculum, featuring college-themed items, he said.

"We put our heads together and made a list of names We wanted it to be college towny, very old school and something that could fit in with the traditional values of the downtown," Grimsley said. "We just went crazy for a couple of weeks and designed everything."

Along with burgers made with fresh ingredients, the curriculum features handmade french fries, onion rings, salads and milkshakes. Grimsley said he has plans to update the menu this spring, which could mean new burger toppings and selections. The restaurant also features a beer and wine menu.

Grimsley said he and his partners are looking for future locations to grow the business.

"We want to set up the restaurant for future growth," he said. "We want to build this company ... in 20 years we hope this is the flagship for a major franchise."

Grimsley said the company is looking for two new locations in Central Texas that have a similar feel of the current space, including being located near a college or university.

The restaurant is planning to celebrate its first anniversary April 12 from 5–10 p.m. with live music, food and drink specials and door prizes.

Food challenge

Diners wanting to test the strength of their stomachs can take part in The Full Ride eating challenge, which costs $35.99 for those who cannot complete the meal. Participants must consume five 1-pound burgers with a side of fries in less than 60 minutes.

"The food challenge goes back to me watching too much food TV," co-owner Alan Grimsley said.

Winners are placed on the Dean's List and earn a T-shirt and the chance to compete in the 8 lbs. Burger Challenge at no cost. Winners of that challenge can win $1,000. Grimsley said he is contemplating increasing the grand prize amount.

119 W. Seventh St., 512-863-0100, www.burgeruniversity.net

• Sun.–Mon. 11 a.m.–3 p.m.
• Tue.–Thu. 11 a.m.–9 p.m.
• Fri.–Sat. 11 a.m.–10 p.m.