Kenny's Burger Joint

"People used to talk about how great the burgers were, and say 'you should do a burger joint,'" Bowers said. "Plus, cheeseburgers are my favorite food."

He said they began looking for a location, and they decided to start the burger joint when a space opened in the Stonebriar Commons shopping center.

Those same popular burgers from Kenny's Woodfire Grill, which are cooked over a natural hickory, wood-burning, Texas-made Aztec grill, have turned Kenny's Burger Joint into a popular lunch and dinner place.

"We use a blend of meat that is a 75/25 meat to fat ratio, so they are nice and juicy," Bowers said. "We buy fresh, big buns from a bakery in Addison—La Spiga buns. We use good, quality ingredients, quality beef and buns. We pay a little more for our stuff than some places."

Burgers range from the traditional Zeds Straight Up Burger ($6.49) and Patty Melt ($6.99), to the Mushroom Burger, which features Brie cheese and fresh mushrooms ($8.49). Others include a Pepperjack Guacamole Burger ($8.99) and a BBQ Burger ($7.99).

Bowers said they chose burgers that were original, but "not too out there." Instead, they "elevate" the burgers they serve to another level. For example, Kenny's Burger Joint serves a Bacon & Egg Burger, but while other restaurants may leave it with only the egg, Kenny's adds bearnaise sauce to it.

For those not in the mood for a burger, Kenny's has other offerings on the menu, from Kenny's Famous Ribs to a chilli cheese dog and salad options.

The quality of the food isn't everything, Bowers said. A successful restaurant is also about presentation and the experience. Kenny's burgers are served on glass plates—no baskets—and cloth napkins are used at the tables.

Yet the restaurant is still cozy and casual. Famous quotes from movies such as "Animal House," "The Blues Brothers" and "Pulp Fiction" line some walls, while pieces of art pay homage to other classic burger chains, such as Whataburger and In-N-Out Burger.

"We try to give a higher-end service and go for the overall experience when you are eating the burger," Bowers said. "Just because you are eating a burger doesn't mean you shouldn't feel like you are eating a filet mignon."

The highlight of the full bar is Grey Goose Vodka on tap, served at 27 degrees out of a frozen spigot, Bowers said. Other selections include mixed drinks and martinis, a wine list and a selection of craft beers.

"We try to do a lot of things right—that's our mission," Bowers said. "We go above and beyond to try to take care of our customers. Frisco has been really good to us."

El Jefe Grande challenge

Only two people out of 105 have mastered the El Jefe Grande, which is a 7 pound, 7,000 calorie burger that has to be eaten in an hour. It is so big, customers are required to sign a waiver in case something happens (it never has). "It's kind of tongue-in-cheek, but it's serious," Bowers said. The winners have their photo on the "Wall of Fame," which is much smaller than the "Wall of Shame," which features photos of those who have attempted but failed to master El Jefe Grande.

Chef and customer favorites

Chef and co-owner Kenny Bowers' favorites:

The Steak Bomb—a philly cheese steak-style sandwich with a shaved ribeye, mushrooms, onions, peppers, white American and provolone cheese served on a hoagie ($8.99).

Loaded cheese fries (Bowers said they are "delicious") and the onion rings, which are similar to what would be found in a steakhouse.

Customer favorites:

Jucy Lucy Burger, which is stuffed with American cheese on an old-fashioned bun ($6.99).

Bud's Queso Burger, which includes queso from a Frisco friend's recipe, jalapenos, bacon, cheddar and barbecue sauce ($7.99).

1377 Legacy Drive, Ste. 120

214-618-8001 www.kennysburgerjoint.com

Hours: Sun.-Thu. 11 a.m.-10 p.m.,

Fri.-Sat. 11 a.m.-midnight.