Michael Symon’s Burger Empire Expands to Austin

Michael Symon, the Ohio chef and restaurateur, is bringing a version of B Spot Burgers to Urban Outfitters’ Space 24 on The Drag, initially reported by The Chronicle. Eater learned that it will be called Symon’s Burger Joint. He told Eater he’s delighted about his first venture outside of the Midwest. "There’s so much great energy to it," he said. "It’s very much a food town." He described the city as containing "one of the better, young, up and coming dining scenes in the country right now, and we’re very excited to be part of Austin."

The counter-service only burger place will have a brisker pace than his burger chainlet. The small menu is slated to have four burgers for now, including one with hot links as a nod to Austin, which will also be available separately. There will be fries, shakes, and beer, too.

Next door will be the first out-of-Pennsylvania Pizzeria Vetri. Symon joined the project because the Philadelphia restauranteur and friend Marc Vetri recommended him to Urban Outfitters. The retail chain was seeking pizza and burger concepts to fill up the space. Though no date has been announced, it’s expected to open sometime in November.

Symon has several restaurants in Cleveland, as well as ones in Detroit, Pittsburgh, and DC. He is already working on a Cleveland-style barbecue restaurant in Ohio, too.