Brother-owned eatery celebrates first year of business

Brothers Rob and Mike Elling have a lot to reflect upon in their first year owning and operating Flippin' Burgers in Cedar Park.

The classic, made-to-order burger joint celebrates its anniversary Sept. 24, a milestone the two celebrate modestly while they continue perfecting the business.

"We're still learning a lot, including the need for a drive-thru window," Rob, the younger of the two, said. "We're also learning the hard way every customer counts."

And every customer's voice is heard when carefully considering what menu items to tweak, add or remove entirely. After all, the two brothers are often on the front lines to hear customer complaints and compliments, with Mike at the counter and Rob manning the grill.

"We're not going to ask our employees to do anything we're not willing to do," Rob said.

Sweet potato tater tots have gradually become more routine, he said, because of strong demand. They are also expanding the children's menu to include steak fingers—ground beef constructed into fried finger food.

"We won't have it [on the menu] 'til it's really good," he said.

By and large, however, the duo tries to keep the menu small, mainly burgers and fries, and to remain effective at making a select few items—all while maintaining sanity between brothers.

"We actually work pretty well together," Mike said. "It's contentious at times, but we don't fight all that often, surprisingly. We were warned, but it's worked out so far."

They work alongside one other full-time employee, Reno Sumagaysay, who has worked at Flippin' Burgers since it opened.

As an unofficial kitchen manager, Sumagaysay said he sees the work the Elling brothers put into making the burger shop a Cedar Park mainstay.

"I know how hard it is just to get our name out there, but we put a lot of work into that," he said. "So we do take it on the chin when someone says they want to go to McDonald's."

They pride themselves on using fresh, never precooked ingredients instead of heat lamps.

And, if all goes well, they hope to expand throughout the area and eventually open a brewpub—a dream for home brewer Mike.

"That's the ultimate goal, although it's hard to say when it will happen," he said. "It would be great if it were here in Cedar Park."

In the meantime, though, Rob said the duo is content growing the Flippin' Burgers brand.

"I could probably eat one of our burgers for the rest of my life," he said. "So, I knew I could work here."

Authentic burgers

Nothing is precooked at Flippin' Burgers. All Angus beef is marinated for 12–24 hours prior to being ground and flattened for the griddle.

• Hamburger: Quarter-pound patty
• Cheeseburger: Quarter-pound patty with slice of cheese
• Double cheeseburger: Two quarter-pound patties with slices of cheese
• Veggie burger: Homemade mushroom patty

Extras aplenty

There are a variety of sides, desserts and kids options available at Flippin' Burgers.

• Sides: French fries, cheese fries and onion rings as well as sweet potato fries and tater tots
• Drinks: All-natural, real-sugar sodas from Maine Root and the Real Sugar Soda Co.
• Shakes: All made from Blue Bell Ice Cream, with flavors ranging from vanilla, chocolate, strawberry, Oreo, snickerdoodle and coffee
• Kids menu: Choices include hot dogs, grilled cheese and cheeseburger sliders, all served with a side and a drink

Flippin' Burgers, 202 Walton Way, Ste. 150, Cedar Park, 528-5413

Tue.–Sat. 11 a.m.–9 p.m.;

Sun. 11 a.m.–8 p.m.; closed Monday