06/13/2026
A quick note from me tonight, not as a restaurant owner, but as a chef and a mom.
I’d like to offer some clarification regarding a recent interaction and our restaurant’s policies.
Our team made every effort to communicate the policy clearly. A server and manager both explained it, alternatives were offered, and I personally came to the table to reiterate the policy and answer any questions.
Everyone is entitled to their opinion and to decide whether a restaurant is the right fit for them. We also understand that guests may choose to share their experiences publicly. My hope is simply that those experiences are shared with the full context of what occurred and the ability to respond affectively.
As a chef, I take food safety seriously. As a mom, I understand wanting the very best for your children. Those two things can coexist. Sometimes that means having policies that not everyone agrees with, and that’s okay.
For clarity, our policy is to cook all kids’ burgers fully. We do not serve undercooked ground beef to children. USDA guidance recommends cooking ground beef to an internal temperature of 160 degrees Fahrenheit, and we believe that is the safest standard for our youngest guests.
What saddens me most is how quickly a single interaction can shape perceptions of an entire business and the people who work there. Behind every review, post, and comment are real people—servers, cooks, managers, dishwashers, and families who work incredibly hard every day. While I appreciate the support and perspective shared by many members of our community, my concern is not about assigning blame or proving a point. It is about ensuring that our policies, our intentions, and the efforts of our team are understood accurately.
I will always stand behind my team when they are respectful, professional, and following established policies. They deserve to be treated with the same respect and courtesy they strive to show every guest.
You don’t have to agree with our decisions, and we understand that our approach may not be the right fit for everyone. We simply ask that conversations about our business reflect the full context of the situation and recognize the people behind the work. “Say it with your chest!”
My staff deserves that consideration.
♥️ Chef Nikol
Photo Credit: Me (mom) of my sweet Sofia a few years ago eating a burger with bacon, lettuce, tomatoes and cheese off the regular menu…because this entire interaction and subsequent review and comments are WILD! Happy Friday! Shout out to the community that commented on the post as “Unsatisfied_customer5669” immediately blocked me from commenting or responding. Love you all ♥️
