A New Chapter for a Beloved Burger Joint
Houston’s esteemed burger scene has just witnessed a significant shift, but fans of Burger Chan can breathe a sigh of relief as the restaurant’s essence remains intact. The brainchild of owners Diane and Willet Feng, Burger Chan has partnered with chef Ryan Stewart and his Silver Linings Hospitality company to oversee the day-to-day operations.
The Genesis of Burger Chan
Initially launched as Kuma Burger in 2016, Burger Chan relocated to its current Galleria-area spot in 2022. Willet Feng, with his fine dining background, brings an unparalleled level of sophistication to the burger game. The restaurant’s build-your-own format allows patrons to craft their ideal burger from an array of options, including two patty sizes, four buns, three cheeses, and over a dozen vegetables and sauces. This versatility has garnered significant attention, including a YouTube feature by food enthusiast Mike Chen, who created a behemoth burger adorned with 17 ingredients.
Challenges and Opportunities
Despite the accolades, Burger Chan has faced challenges in maintaining a consistent staff that can meet Willet Feng’s lofty standards. The constant struggle to find reliable employees has taken a toll on the owners, with Willet Feng admitting that the pressure has been overwhelming. However, with Stewart on board, the restaurant is poised to implement systems that will enable it to uphold its quality while streamlining operations.
A New Era with Silver Linings Hospitality
Stewart, a seasoned chef with experience in operating multiple locations, is well-equipped to introduce systems that will allow Burger Chan to thrive. His approach will focus on scalability, ensuring that the restaurant can maintain its high standards without relying on manual labor. The partnership is expected to yield positive results, with Stewart planning to introduce Monday lunch service and dinner hours on Fridays and Saturdays. If successful, the team will explore expanding to a second location, which will serve as a prep kitchen to centralize operations.
The Fengs’ Continued Involvement
Diane and Willet Feng are not abandoning ship; they will remain involved in the restaurant, albeit in a less hands-on capacity. Over the past month, they have gradually stepped back to allow Stewart and his team to take the reins. The Fengs are confident that the transition will be seamless, with Willet noting that customers have not noticed a dip in quality.
New Ventures on the Horizon
The partnership with Silver Linings Hospitality has also given the Fengs the opportunity to focus on their Singaporean-inspired pop-up series, Borrowed Goods. Launched in March, the next installment is slated for April 27 at Narwhal Jousting Club. The pop-up will continue to operate without a fixed timeline for a brick-and-mortar location, allowing the Fengs to explore their culinary creativity without the pressures of a permanent establishment.
Conclusion
As Burger Chan embarks on this new chapter, fans can rest assured that the restaurant’s commitment to quality and innovation remains unwavering. With Stewart at the helm and the Fengs still involved, the future looks bright for this beloved burger joint. As the restaurant continues to evolve, one thing is certain – the passion for serving exceptional burgers will endure, and the Burger Chan experience will remain a staple of Houston’s vibrant food scene.
