HUTTO, Texas — An Austin hot rod hang out and burger spot made popular in the movie "Dazed and Confused" is now expanding outside of Austin.
Top Notch Hamburgers has opened its second location, more than 50 years after the first location opened on Burnet Road in 1971. On Wednesday, burger lovers packed the 11 a.m. opening at 121 Co-Op Blvd. in Hutto.
“We are doing everything the same here. The same charcoal-grilled hamburgers, the same hand-dipped onion rings and the same fried chicken that we've won countless awards for," said Kelly Chappell, Top Notch co-owner. "So that's the most important part to us – that it feels good, and it tastes the same."
Top Notch hired 50 local employees from Hutto, who have been training for the opening for the last few weeks. The Hutto location is larger than the original, with a back porch seating area that includes picnic tables, a park and a stage.
Chappell is excited that the first expansion in a long time is in Hutto.
“We chose this town because we knew that people would know who we are,” Chappell said. “We wouldn't have to start from scratch. And I think the last four or five days have really proved our point that Hutto really wants us. We feel very welcome, and we're excited to be part of this community specifically.”
But Chappell, who bought the original Top Notch back in 2010, said he didn’t want to change the classic feel of the restaurant when expanding.
“It was a long time coming into expanding and opening a second location because I wanted it to feel right, to look right, to bring the '50s car hop vibe to Hutto and not compromise,” Chappell said.
The 10 car hops will be up and running for the public in the next few days. But until then, you can still order inside the restaurant.
The new location will also still have classic car shows, with the first one scheduled for Sunday, April 23, in the front parking lot.
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