Introduction to Boo’s Burgers
A Houston chef is ready to take the step from pop-up to brick-and-mortar restaurant. Joseph Boudreaux will officially open Boo’s Burgers this Saturday, July 26. Located on the Navigation Esplanade across from the Original Ninfa’s, opening Boo’s Burgers has been a five-year journey for the self-taught chef.
The Journey to Brick-and-Mortar
As CultureMap first reported in 2021, Boudreaux built a cult following for his signature smash burgers with a series of well-attended pop-ups that started at downtown coffee shop The Tipping Point but soon went citywide to festivals, bars, and even other restaurants such as Nancy’s Hustle and Burger Bodega. The chef’s formula has remained simple — in-house ground patties that use beef from Texas ranch 44 Farms, topped with the chef’s smoky burger sauce, American cheese, shaved onions, spicy pickles, sliced tomatoes, and shrettuce, all served on a challah bun from local bakery Cake & Bacon.
Menu Additions
For the new restaurant, Boudreaux has made three additions to the menu. The first is the Shroom Sammy, made with fried oyster mushrooms that are topped with lemon pepper wet sauce, garlic aioli, pickles, and a cabbage-mustard green slaw and served on a challah bun. If that’s too adventurous, choose a grilled cheese on toasted milk bread. Seasoned fries, served with Boo’s OG Sauce (a Cajun-style remoulade), ranch, or garlic aioli, round out the menu. Once everything is running smoothly, Boudreaux plans to add sandwich specials, soft serve ice cream, and even “you buy, we fry” specials.
Creating a Homey Feeling
To create a properly homey feeling for his brick-and-mortar, Boudreaux turned to Brittany Vaughan of Garnish Design. Known for her work on restaurants such as Milton’s, Maximo, and Tiny Champions, Vaughan took inspiration from classic delis and roadside hamburger stands to develop a retro-inspired look for Boo’s Burgers. The interior features walnut wood paneling, vintage-style lighting, and nods to Boudreaux’s family. The decor really honors Joseph and his journey; photos of him and his family live alongside images of the Boo’s community and watercolor meme illustrations.
Branding and Grand Opening
Similarly, the restaurant shows off a new logo and other branding. Created by Houston’s Letterset Design, it takes inspiration from the ‘60s and ‘70s as well as street art, graffiti, and hip-hop — influences that make sense for a native Houstonian like Boudreaux. Boo’s Burgers will be open to the public beginning Wednesday, July 23 for a soft opening. Saturday’s grand opening will include performances by Houston DJs from Ice House Radio. Boo’s Burgers is located at 2510 Navigation Blvd. Hours of operation are 11 am-9 pm Wednesday-Friday and 12-9 pm on Saturday and Sunday (closed Monday and Tuesday).
Conclusion
Boo’s Burgers is a dream come true for Joseph Boudreaux, who has worked tirelessly to bring his vision to life. With its unique menu, retro-inspired decor, and commitment to using local ingredients, Boo’s Burgers is sure to become a staple in the Houston food scene. Whether you’re a fan of classic smash burgers or looking to try something new like the Shroom Sammy, Boo’s Burgers has something for everyone. So mark your calendars for the grand opening on July 26 and get ready to experience the best of Houston’s burger scene.
