Burgers you can call your own

In a country greatly influenced by Western comfort food culture, you certainly get more than your fair share of burgers, thanks to numerous establishments that feature this classic crowd-pleaser. But beyond your run-of-the-mill, ‘‘template” burgers, rarely do you encounter distinct versions of this easy favorite that seem like they were especially crafted for you.

Such specialties are offered by fast casual restaurant Brothers Burger, which has been offering mouthwatering burger creations to happy and satisfied diners since 1999. Setting the standard for quality and unique designer burgers—a concept it pioneered in the Philippines-this dining destination is a haven for those longing to satisfy their craving for this popular comfort food staple.

True to its name, Brothers Burger is the brainchild of brothers DJ, Martin, and Quito Jose, a warm and creative trio who conceptualized the idea for the restaurant at the height of the Asian financial crisis. “At the time we came up with Brothers Burger, there were no other establishments that served designer burgers,” shares Martin. “Plus our youngest brother, Quito, was already working in the food industry at the time, so it was also great timing.” But why burgers, of all things? He simply answers, “It was just a matter of asking ourselves what we were craving for then, and that happened to be it.”

Inspired by the brothers’ burger experiences while living in the Bay area, Brothers Burger offers a smorgasbord of creative flavors and combinations, resulting in a one-of-a-kind line-up designed to excite the burger lover’s palate. True to form, the concept proved to be a hit among Filipinos, right from the time it first opened its doors to diners.

“Reception was phenomenal—we certainly were not expecting such a big reaction from the market,” Martin recalls. “Within our first three months of operation, we already had to increase the size of our kitchen to accommodate the demand for the products.” The Brothers Burger fever raged on from then, with the Joses opening a second branch in Rockwell only nine months after its first branch in Ortigas was launched.

With product quality already a given (“We make sure all of our burgers are freshly-prepared and use only carefully-selected ingredients, and we use no less than 100 percent   prime choice imported beef”), what also draws people to Brothers Burger is the experience that can be had. “Through our specially-concocted flavor combinations, we want to create a sense of ownership for each diner with the burger he or she orders,” explains Martin. “That’s why we call it  ‘burgers by design.’ It’s all about that unforgettable experience that you can only enjoy at Brothers Burger.”

Apart from its bestselling and iconic flame-grilled Brothers Burger, the restaurant also offers unique takes on the classic burger, such as Blues Brothers—rich, creamy blue cheese, sautéed mushrooms, honey-cured bacon, farm-fresh lettuce, tomatoes and Dijonnaise sauce; and Ranchero, with crispy onion rings, melted cheddar cheese, honey-cured bacon, farm-fresh lettuce, tomatoes and smoky BBQ sauce. It also churns out seasonal specialties for various occasions, such as the raved-about Red Bun Angus Burger for Valentine’s Day and anniversary special Angus Burger on Black Bun, both which piqued every customer’s curiosity with their eye-catching color combinations.

Even better, Brothers Burger beckons to even those who are looking for non-burger eats, providing a plethora of equally delicious menu options; from sidings and flavorful sandwiches, to sausages and thoughtful vegetarian choices.

Perhaps one of its biggest steps forward is its shift to fast casual dining, marking a new era of elevated burger experiences for loyal customers and new diners. With this, Brothers Burger now brings orders straight to your table, as opposed to its previous self-service system, thus offering added comfort and convenience. It has also long since started using earth-friendly materials for packaging and utensils, effectively reducing solid waste in the stores.

Following suit were the launches of Brothers Burger’s One Number delivery hotline (7565656) and mobile trucks, which now brings its signature distinct burger experiences closer to more customers; the former by making deliveries more efficient and easily accessible throughout various parts of the metro, and the latter by allowing them to enjoy Brothers Burger at their own special occasions and celebrations.

Finally, as part of the brand’s tradition, Brother’s Burger makes it a point to celebrate Hamburger Day every June 23 with its diners by offering the Big Brothers Burger at half the price.

At 14 years and counting, Brothers Burger assures diners that there are still more innovations up ahead. “Expect a regular stream of new flavors and experiences,” Martin declares. “Our goal is to constantly keep our customers on their toes, so product development is always evolving. We are always on the lookout for new technologies that will help enhance or improve your dining experiences with us.”

Brothers Burger has successfully carved out a niche for itself in fast casual dining; an accomplishment apt in a time when diners seek experiences that go beyond the ordinary and predictable.

Brothers Burger has branches in Metro Manila: Pasong Tamo, Convergys Makati, Alabang, Alimall, Paseo de Magallanes, Hobbies of Asia, Il Terazzo, Ortigas, Lucky Chinatown Mall, The Hub Greenfield, Trinoma, Bonifacio High Street, Katipunan, Greenhills, Petron Dasma Makati, RCBC Plaza Ayala Ave., Ecom Plaza MOA complex; Outside Metro Manila: Nuvali, Sta. Rosa Laguna, Davao,  Ayala Technohub Baguio and Mile-Hi Baguio.

For Metro Manila deliveries, call 7565656. Follow Brothers Burger at www.facebook.com/OfficialBrothersBurger and www.twitter.com/brothersburger for promos and updates.