From gourmet food truck to Ooltewah burger and beer destination
Five years ago, the Southern Burger Co. food truck began slinging the meanest gourmet burgers the streets of Chattanooga had ever seen. Since then, they’ve changed some—mainly by opening a permanent location in Ooltewah two years ago—but still happily provide for the carnivorous needs of the masses.
And aside from getting their own space, they’ve also kept up with the times, featuring a newly expanded, seasonal menu which includes new appetizers, a Chorizo Burger and a Raleigh Burger, and plans to add hand-dipped milk shakes with out-of-the-ordinary flavors.
“We’re always listening to what our guests want, and trying to offer something different than your run-of-the-mill burger joint,” says owner Christian Siler. “I’ve wanted to do shakes for a long time, and our guests are definitely asking. It’s on our list; I just want to make sure we’re ready to handle the demand!”
Southern Burger Co.’s “thing” is fresh ingredients and house-made taste, so they work a bit differently. First, they try to make all of their own ingredients, which means fresh grinding their own beef, cutting their own fries, making their own ketchup, mustard, and all other sauces. The things they don’t make they try to buy locally or regionally, so their buns are from Niedlov’s Breadworks, pickles are Wickles Pickles from Alabama, and they use Southern favorite Duke’s mayo.
Let’s not forget the beer. They feature 14 rotating craft beer taps, four nitro taps (for stouts, for example), and over 40 bottled beers. “Does anything else scream ‘American Summer’ as loudly as a burger and a beer?” asks Siler. “We’ve really lined up some good Hefeweizens and summer ales to cool down the hot and humid Tennessee summers.”
But in many ways, Southern Burger Co. is a homecoming. “I’m from Ooltewah, and I’m still glad I had the opportunity to come back home and open this location,” notes Siler. “We’re definitely seeing more people come through the door. We’ve got a crowd for Family Night, Trivia Night is bursting at the seams, and lunch has begun to go on a wait.”
Then there’s something they like to call “vision.” You work hard; they know that. So, they’ve created a place for you to relax and enjoy good times with friends and family. Whether you drop by on your way home from work or plan a night out with the family, stop in to get a delicious burger and craft beer with fantastic service. In the end, head home happier. That’s what they strive for.
With the two-year anniversary coming up of opening their Ooltewah location, you can be sure they’ll be throwing a huge celebration party. Keep up with their plans, along with all sorts of updates and special, by following them on Facebook (facebook.com/SBCOoltewah), on Twitter (@sburgerco), and of course on the web at southernburgerco.com
The Scoop
Drop by and have a fresh handmade gourmet burger and a pint of craft beer
Southern Burger Co.
Gourmet burgers for your inner carnivore
9453 Bradmore Ln.
(423) 825-4919