The husband and wife opened their first location in 2013 in Richardson, and since then, the Gavlans have opened four additional locations, including one in Lakewood.
The backstory
Kevin said his great-grandparents immigrated from Mexico and opened a restaurant, simply called Mexican Restaurant. From 2004-09, Jenny and Kevin also owned a Mexican restaurant.
“We had a really good burger there,” Jenny said. “We also said that if we [started another restaurant], it would be burgers because it’s simple.”
After closing the Mexican restaurant, Jenny said they tried different career paths but ended up missing the restaurant industry. In 2012, while the couple was out for a walk, they decided to open Haystack.
“We were like, ‘Let’s do it again, this time in our own neighborhood and make it something we would go to,’” Jenny said. “That’s how we designed it. We had two young kids at the time, so we wanted it to be something we would enjoy.”
What’s in a name?
The restaurant’s name needed to be one word, Kevin said, but he and Jenny hadn’t thought of one that felt right for their restaurant. The Galvans’ daughter, who was 9 years old at the time, suggested the name Haystack after seeing hay bales stacked in a field. Initially, the name didn’t stick until Kevin and Jenny added “Burgers & Barley” to the name.
What’s on the menu?
While the restaurant started with a straightforward burger, Kevin said the menu has evolved. Along with burgers, the menu includes healthy options, such as salads and sandwiches. Popular dishes include The Vanderslice, which features two patties and a housemade Thousand Island dressing, and the chicken-fried burger, featuring a breaded and fried hamburger patty served with a jalapeno bacon cream gravy.
In addition, the restaurant offers a selection of North Texas-based craft beers.
What makes it special?
Kevin said the focus on food quality is what sets Haystack apart from other restaurants.
“Everything is made fresh,” he said. “Even the mozzarella sticks are cut off a mozzarella block, rolled in panko crust and made for the day.”
Jenny said Haystack is an extension of the Galvans’ home, and it shows in the way they train their employees to treat patrons to Haystack.
“Your job is not to serve burgers but to serve people,” Jenny said. “How do you make people feel special? If you can figure out how to do that every day, life is great.”
Quote of note
“We’re spending time and love to create recipes that we share with our guests,” Kevin said. “I love being in the restaurant business because we’re creating an experience.”
- 6465 E. Mockingbird Lane, Ste. 500, Dallas
- www.haystackburgers.com
