David Atkins, a real estate agent, has known Bernie’s Burger Bus owner Justin Turner ever since the restaurant owner came in to use his former postal and package business at the Texas Medical Center.
When Atkins heard about the financial trouble Turner was facing at his restaurant, including the fact that Bernie’s had to close three of its four locations—except for the one inBellaire, at 5407 Bellaire Blvd.—he stepped in and purchased thousands of dollars' worth of gift cards from the restaurant, Atkins said.
However, “that was kind of over, and that didn’t create more awareness,” Atkins said.
And so the idea was born for purchasing and delivering burgers to residents while simultaneously sponsoring a local restaurant.
So on April 19, Atkins and his family purchased and delivered 150 meals to families in Bellaire, Meyerland, Westbury and Willow Meadows.
“We had an amazing response,” Atkins said.
However, he is not done with his efforts.
On April 25, Atkins and his family will deliver another 125 burger meals to Southgate and Southampton residents starting at noon, according to his Facebook page.
Residents can contact Atkins after viewing a few menu options to place their order.
There is also a separate $25 option available directly from the restaurant called Bernie’s Backyard Burgers, which allows residents to buy a pack of meat, buns and condiments to cook burgers at home.
On April 26, from noon to 1 p.m., Braeswood Place residents can pick up their food at 3627 Grennoch Lane. There were 150 orders available, but they sold out, Atkins said.
On the same day, from 2:30-3:30 p.m., West University Place residents will pick up their food at 3207 Georgetown St., with as many as 75 meals to be delivered.
As Atkins looks forward to May 2, with plans for meals in Houston Heights, he said he wants the idea of “paying forward” to stick.
“I hope to create an infectious atmosphere with people with means, so that they’ll feel inspired to pay it forward themselves,” he said.
The future plan Atkins is eyeing is on an expansion of his efforts, with a monthly or quarterly restaurant sponsor, though nothing has been confirmed.
