This restaurant was voted 'Best Burger in America'. Now it's coming to Leland.
A Chapel Hill-based burger restaurant, which was voted Best Burger in America by Trip Advisor, is opening a location in Leland. Al's Burger Shack is planned for 3556 Leland Town Center Drive, in front of Lowe’s Home Improvement.
"We're excited to bring Al's Burger Shack to Southeastern North Carolina," said Jason Kesler, an owner of Al’s.
Kesler, a Wilmington native, and his business partner Charlie Farris also own a number of Jersey Mike’s Subs locations in the area, including the one in the Waterford area of Leland.
"The support we see there is incredible. The area is booming, and the people are great in Leland,” Kesler said.
More: Who has the best burgers in the Wilmington area? Vote for your favorite!
Right now, Al’s has two locations, both in Chapel Hill. The restaurant was established in 2013 and earned the Best Burger designation in 2018 for its signature Bobo Chili Cheeseburger, which is topped with chili sauce, coleslaw, onion, yellow mustard, and American cheese.
Look for hand-pattied burgers, hot dogs, sandwiches, milkshakes, beer and wine, and sides -- like the popular sea salt and rosemary fries. Kesler said Al's makes the best burger he's ever eaten.
“What really sets us apart from other burger joints is our home-made toppings, our perfectly seasoned burgers, cooked to your preferred temperature," he said. "The vibe is great and will fit in perfectly down here at the coast."
They hope to open later this year, in early fall.
STAY CONNECTED: Keep up with the area’s latest food news by signing up for the Port City Foodies newsletter and following us on Facebook and Instagram.
Allison Ballard is the food and dining reporter at the StarNews. You can reach her at aballard@gannett.com.
This article originally appeared on Wilmington StarNews: Al's Burger Shack restaurant is set to open in Leland, NC
