QueenBurger Finds Permanent Home for Smashed Patties in Durham | Eater Carolinas

"Founded by Sean Umstead and Michelle Vanderwalker of Durham’s Kingfisher cocktail bar during the pandemic when bars weren’t allowed to reopen, this outdoor burger concept began as an AstroTurf‑lined parking lot that offered customers a cheerful respite. After closing that pop-up in August, the team has announced a permanent location in the American Tobacco Campus that will open early next year; the new space will preserve the signature burgers, cocktails, and AstroTurf vibe while expanding the booze program beyond bottled cocktails. The biggest menu addition is shoestring french fries (available with a spicy seasoning), which weren’t possible at the outdoor setup, and the burgers remain focused on grass‑fed Baldwin beef topped with griddled onions, North Carolina hoop cheddar, special sauce, and Old North Meats pickles." - Erin Perkins