America’s first 100 percent plant-based burger joint, Next Level Burger will celebrate the grand opening of its first Austin location on October 12. The highly anticipated fast-casual favorite is located inside the flagship store at the Whole Foods Market Headquarters at 525 N. Lamar Blvd.
Founded in 2014 by husband and wife duo Cierra and Matt de Gruyter, Next Level Burger was born in Bend, Oregon. In just four years, NLB has built an out-of-this-world fan base and established a strong following throughout the Pacific Northwest, NYC, the Bay Area, and now Austin.
“We are so stoked to bring Next Level Burger to Austin and be able to serve up burgers to our partners at Whole Foods Market and all Austinites on a daily basis,” says Matt de Gruyter, co-founder and CEO. “And we’re excited to get some bonified Texas meat eaters through the doors – we’ve found NLB can change perceptions about what a plant-based meal can be.”
Next Level Burger is recognized for its revolutionary menu of plant-based twists on classic burger joint favorites, including over a dozen jaw-dropping burger combinations. Designed to make plant-based eating delicious and accessible for people of all ages, fan-favorite menu items include:
- The Signature Burger, featuring a house-made umami mushroom and quinoa patty topped with avocado, cheddar or swiss-style cheese and roasted garlic thyme mayo
- The All-American, featuring a savory meaty patty topped with smokey tempeh bacon, cheddar or swiss-style cheese and egg-free mayo
- The Sausage Bacon, featuring a juicy sausage-style patty topped with smokey tempeh bacon, cheddar or swiss-style cheese, egg-free mayo and yellow mustard
- The SoCAL, featuring house-made quinoa and black chia seed patty topped with special sauce, smokey tempeh bacon and avocado
“Opening Texas’ first Next Level Burger restaurant in our flagship store is a real treat and our shoppers are already sharing their excitement with our team members,” says Tara Treffry, culinary coordinator for Whole Foods Market. “Whole Foods Market shoppers are always hungry for new culinary experiences and Next Level Burger’s innovative plant-based menu is sure to make it a popular destination for lunch and dinner.”
Menu items also include next-level hot dogs, sandwiches, salads and sides, including a variety of fries and tots. A dedicated kids’ menu means the whole family can enjoy a better-for-you and better-for-the-planet meal. Dessert offerings include delectable diner-style hand-spun shakes from standard flavors like organic chocolate and vanilla, to next-level flavors like Cookies N’ Cream and Salted Caramel Peanut. All shakes are dairy-free, allowing guests the option of a coconut or soy soft-serve base. It’s a sinfully satisfying experience without the guilt that any food enthusiast – plant based or not – will immediately love.
The Whole Foods flagship location will be open from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m., seven days a week.
Next Level Burger is in the midst of its expansion and will continue to debut new locations across the U.S.
