San Diego–based Burger Lounge opens its 12th restaurant in the Carlsbad, California, Costco center on Palomar Airport Road in early January. "Our philosophy is simple," says co-founder J. Dean Loring. "We believe in doing a common thing, uncommonly well. It all begins with California-grown grass-fed beef. It's a burger you can feel good about eating."

Burger Lounge was founded in La Jolla, California, in 2007. Founders J. Dean Loring and Michael Gilligan are both passionate about food. "This is not a fussy burger," Loring says. "It's quite simple really. For us, it's about healthier ingredients that taste great, it's about a small menu executed at a high level while offering mindful alternatives to a burger, like healthy salads and vegetarian options."

Burger Lounge sources its grass-fed beef from two family ranchers. "We know many of our suppliers, including our grass-fed cattle ranchers," Gilligan says. "Their best practices and authenticity result in a truly fabulous beef flavor. We know where and how they are raised, what they eat, and how they are treated. It is a humane process, and we think that matters."

The signature Lounge Burger is seared on a flat grill, creating a caramelized crust and warm pink center, and topped with organic cheese, lettuce, tomato, onion, and house-made Thousand Island.

The Carlsbad location will open with a Smoky Wild Boar Burger, a limited-time offering with organic smoked Cheddar, house-made onion rings, and barbecue.

Burger Lounge's commitment to “doing a common thing, uncommonly well” extends to their Organic Quinoa Salad and Fresh Vegetable Salad in full or half portions lightly tossed with house-made dressings.

The beverage selection follows suit with natural sodas by Maine Root Handcrafted Beverages, a selection of Brewed Organic Teas, premium bottled sodas, beer, and wine.