Lately I have been obsessed with watching Jamie Oliver’s Food Revolution. It’s been both inspiring and frustrating to watch the struggles of trying to get healthier -fresh food into the system. Then there was fast food owner Dino, who fought Jamie every step of the way as he challenged him to implement meat from a local farmer. Dino’s argument was that there was absolutely no way to keep costs down, deliver the same great taste of his mystery patties, and help consumers know where their food came from.
On my trip to Atlanta, my friend Holly and I stumbled upon Yeah! Burger during our long hot day of furniture browsing in the Westside section of the city. Famished from looking at gorgeous couches priced at about $5,000-$10,000 and perfecting our “We’re just getting our bearings, thanks” let down comment that we were indeed not able to purchase anything – we decided to grab a quick lunch. We got much more than we bargained for!
Yeah! Burger specializes in grass feed meats, all natural and some organic ingredients with no hormones or antibiotics and offers a slew of gluten-free options.
The first thing that caught our attention, before we even realized how “conscious” this restaurant was – was the adorable graphics! The whimsy artwork was thought of in every detail – from bathroom signage to t-shirts. Love me some good branding!
Waiting in line – we were able to scope out the menu and couldn’t believe how affordable this revolution restaurant was! Burgers started at 6.49 and went up depending on your add-ons. But seriously, a fast – grass fed burger for under $10 bucks! Done and done.
For a moment, I thought I was dreaming. This was my place . Take a look at the top right corner. “Know Your Food – Keepin’ it Real” I thought I had died and gone to local food heaven. Food documentaries such as “Food Inc” “King Corn” and “Fresh” were all proudly displayed on the kitchen counter. This place had been inspired and was now sharing the wealth of knowledge they had learned.
Love the artwork!
One of my tail-tale signs if a restaurant actually gives a “****” is if they bother with the small details. Do they use styrofrom, do they recycle etc. This restaurant got an “A” in their green efforts. Not only were the cups and straws made from plants and 100% compostable, they have a recycling station next to every trash can, the kitchen runs a full scale recycling and composting program, their t-shirts were made from 100% organic cotton, and the wood in their decor was all reclaimed. Finally, thank you!
Holly opted for the grass-fed beef burger on a wheat bun with swiss cheese, lettuce and the Mississippi Mop BBQ sauce.
I decided to take this place to the limits and see if it could hold its own. I got the grass-fed bison burger on a gluten free bun, bacon, cheddar cheese, and gluten free bacon jam sauce. I also choose the gluten free onion rings and fries. First off let me just say, that I have no need to eat gluten free, but I know that so many people have no other choice – so on behalf of them I had a 100% gluten free meal. Wow! Not only was there no sacrifice in quality, the taste was delicious! If I hadn’t known that I ordered gluten-free I would have never been able to taste it, it was the perfect satisfying and flavorful burger.
Each meal was wrapped up in paper and served on a small rimmed baking sheet pan. Loved the presentation, and the taste was killer. The revelation I had was that you can care where your food comes from – how it was raised and grown, you can do it in a large scale commercial setting, you can offer an affordable meal, you can think consciously about all your restaurant products, and be slammed all day. This is what I’m talking about people! Dino should listen up and realize that consumers are hungry for change, and hungry for good wholesome and delicious natural food.
