School's out

Beloved Houston burger bus hits the end of the road

Justin Turner has come to end of the road with Bernie's Burger Bus.

Photo by Kimberly Park

Bernie's Burger Bus has reached the end of the road. The food truck-turned-restaurant announced it would permanently close all four locations effective May 31.

View this post on Instagram

We’ve had the pleasure of serving Houston the best burgers for almost ten years and have the laughs and the memories to show for it... but this pandemic is ruthless and Bernie’s Burger Bus is shutting it’s doors indefinitely. ⁣ ⁣ Though the future is uncertain, know we’re grateful for each and every one of you and excited for what’s to come. Come join us for a tasty cheeseburger, fries and milkshake between now and our final service on Sunday, May 31.⁣ ⁣ Y’all freakin’ rock. ⁣ Justin Turner

A post shared by Bernie's Burger Bus (@berniesburgerbus) on

May 28, 2020 at 7:30am PDT

In a statement, chef-owner Justin Turner cites a number of factors that prompted the decision, including the high cost of delivery fees and the rising price of beef, all of which have been exacerbated by the coronavirus pandemic. Ultimately, the decision to use working capital to build Bernie's Missouri City location proved fatal, according to Turner.

“If we’d taken out a loan and kept that money in the bank, we could have survived,” Turner said in a statement. "Working capital can and does make the difference between who will survive times like this and who won’t — Bernie’s Burger Bus is proof of that.”

The closing is undoubtedly a loss for Houston burger fans. Beginning as a food truck in 2010, Bernie's earned raves for Turner's housemade condiments, creative fries, and decadent milkshakes. The "Detention Burger" — a two beef patties between two grilled cheese sandwiches — gave the restaurant a visually stunning sandwich perfectly suited for the Instagram age. Bernie's ranked 64th on CultureMap's list of Houston's top 100 restaurants for 2019.

With three of the locations — Heights, Katy, and Missouri City — already closed during the coronavirus pandemic, Bernie's will bid its customers farewell from its original, flagship location in the Bellaire triangle. Turner invites customers to join him for one last round of "Principal" burgers and "Honor Roll" fries.

Turner vows this won't be the last Houstonians hear from him. Back in March, he told CultureMap's "What's Eric Eating" podcast that he had new ideas about his future. Recently married, Turner plans to take some time off before contemplating his next move.

"I have nothing but high praise for Houston,” Turner added. “You made my dream come true and over the past nine-and-a-half years, you’ve helped support the lives of hundreds of Bernie’s Burger Bus team members. Please continue to follow me on my journey. I’m fortunate to have options, and no matter where I go, my remaining staff will be by my side.”

closings burgers

there's the rub

Restaurant known for 'new Houston cuisine' now open in Cypress

Courtesy of Jonathan's the Rub

Jonathan's the Rub serves steaks and other dishes.

A restaurant known for its eclectic “new Houston cuisine” has opened in Cypress. The fourth location of Jonathan’s the Rub is now open for dinner in Bridgeland (20215 Bridgeland Creek Parkway).

First announced last year, the new Jonathan’s is located in Village Green, a 70-acre mixed-use development within the 925-acre Bridgeland Central district. The 5,500-square-foot restaurant includes two patios totaling 2,600 square feet, giving the restaurant plenty of room for private dining rooms, a bar area, and indoor-outdoor areas with fire pits and greenery.

“We were looking for the next frontier — a community with a booming population and a clear vision for growth that aligns with our brand,” chef-owner Jonathan Levine said in a statement. “When we discovered Bridgeland and learned it was a Howard Hughes development, we were immediately impressed. With their reputation for developing generational communities, we felt confident that Bridgeland was the right place for our family and for Jonathan’s the Rub.”

Like Jonathan’s three other locations, the menu at Bridgeland is built around Levine’s signature “new Houston cuisine,” a kicked-up take on comfort food that includes everything from lobster tacos and blackened shrimp and grits to Italian American classics and steakhouse fare.

Village Green is also home to H-E-B and restaurants such as Sweet Paris Crêperie & Café and Crust Pizza Co. Austin-based burger joint P. Terry’s will open there next year.

“Jonathan’s the Rub’s arrival in Bridgeland Central brings a distinguished addition to the culinary scene in both the community and northwest Houston,” said Jim Carman, president of the Texas region, for Bridgeland developer Howard Hughes Communities. “We’re proud to partner with exceptional restaurateurs like Chef Jonathan Levine to bring elevated dining experiences that enhance the lifestyle offerings for our residents and neighbors.”

Courtesy of Jonathan's the Rub

Jonathan's the Rub serves steaks and other dishes.