Crown Burger has the variety, service and quality to meet anyone’s hunger expectations.
Photo by Mia Nogueira
Pulling up to Crown Burger it looks like the average burger joint, competing with McDonalds across the street, and over 20 other restaurants surrounding it. The windows are full of bold words printed in colorful letters divulging all of the specials and deals for the day.
I followed in with a small group of students who were stopping in for a quick lunch. A few construction workers paused to hold the door open for us while discussing what type of burger they were contemplating, to set their appetites at ease. I was immediately greeted with smiles by satisfied customers and employees.
George and Stella Brokalakis created the burger place in August of 1987 after moving to Denver from Salt Lake City, Utah. “I thought it would be a good idea to open up in Denver because no one has a menu as unique as ours. We have such a variety and something new to offer,” said George. The restaurant’s most popular and original burger on the menu is the Royal Burger, a sandwich layered with slices of pastrami, for just $4.99.
Crown Burger was the Brokalakis’ second burger place to open, following The Burger Factory, which they left behind in Utah. Having had experience in the competitive world of restaurants, the family was prepared to contend with the other restaurants and to stay strong even when the economy was struggling. “We have added specials to our menu to be attentive to the economic state many customers are in. We have student and other customer discounts,” said George. For just five dollars a student can get a cheeseburger, fries, and a drink.
Some of the cuisine on the menu derives from George’s Greek heritage. Born on the Island of Crete, Greece, George first moved to Utah to further pursue his education, but later opened the Burger Factory. Greek omelets, pita gyros, chicken kabobs, and baklava are essential to the Middle Eastern inspired menu. “My favorite meal is the chicken kabob on pita. Our menu is very popular among Middle Eastern people as well with Americans,” said George.
Crown Burger has a long line of dedicated workers who have stayed with the restaurant for many years. Stella and George both work seven days per week. Stella can be found behind the register, always happy to welcome, assist, and go beyond expectations with every customer. George is often behind the stove, putting his all into every delicious, sizzling-hot burger. Their two sons hope to inherit the successful business, and eventually expand into other locations.
The menu extends further than just burgers, including a complete line of breakfast items, sandwiches, grilled cheese, desserts, drinks, shakes and sides galore. “You will never leave hungry when you eat here,” said George. With all of those choices, ordering at Crown Burger was very difficult. When I finally narrowed it down, I ended up with a chocolate shake, fries, and bacon and grilled cheese sandwich. The milkshake was a piece of dairy heaven, giving me the satisfaction of a sweet and salty meal by adding a sweet and savory flavor. The fries were golden crisps, a perfect amount to accompany a filling sandwich. The cheese oozed out of every side of the toasted bread, the bacon gave a crunch to every bite. The meal was able to nourish the space that was once filled with hunger.
At Crown Burger you may walk in as a hungry customer, but you always leave as a fully indulged, and satisfied friend. So TJ, when in the mood for a good burger and fries, or a gyro on pita, grab a pal and head over to Crown Burger, the quality and service will always satisfy. Crown Burger is located at 2192 S. Colorado Blvd. in between East Warren and Evans Avenue. It is open Monday-Saturday 8 a.m.- 8 p.m. and Sunday 9 a.m. – 7 p.m. Visit their website for more details at http://www.crownburgers.org/
