BATON ROUGE, La. (BRPROUD) - A smashburger restaurant is set to open in Baton Rouge next year. Wagyulicious Burgers and Brews, 11950 Cloverland Ave., is aiming to open during the first week or two of January, according to co-owner Jeremy Free. It started as a food trailer in 2022 and made appearances at most of the breweries in the Baton Rouge area, Free said. That year, he started looking for a place to open a restaurant. He found the spot in 2024, where the Blue Rose Cafe used to be. He eventually sold the food trailer but said the restaurant menu will be similar to what you could get at the food trailer.  Caroline’s Cookies opening new location in Baton Rouge: See where, when Besides offering an American-style smashburger, he said they will sell steaks, chips, white queso, five to six specialty burgers along with seasoned, loaded and truffle fries. Free said their most famous burger is the Mad Cow. It contains two quarter-pound Wagyu smashed patties, habanero jack cheese, grilled sweet peppers, caramelized onions, grilled jalapenos, applewood bacon and house-made habanero ranch sauce. He said he raises full-blooded Japanese Wagu and F-1 cross, which have heart-healthy fat. Customers will be able to dine-in, drive-thru and order takeout. The hours of operation are still to be determined. "Opening Wagyulicious Burgers and Brews is the realization of a dream to bring something truly unique to the community. It's not just about serving great food; it's about sharing the passion and care that goes into every aspect of the process from raising high-quality Wagyu beef to creating unforgettable dining experiences. For me, this restaurant represents hard work, dedication, and the chance to connect with people through amazing food and welcoming atmosphere," said Free.  A smash patty from Wagyulicious Burgers and Brews is seen up close. (Image courtesy of Jeremy Free) Truffle fries from Wagyulicious Burgers and Brews are seen in a container. (Image courtesy of Jeremy Free) Latest News LSU vs. Oklahoma: Game time, how to watch Bird flu detected in raw milk from California, state officials warn 'Seinfeld' star has lost 110 pounds since height of show, but says there's a downside New Orleans mayor, officials talk about Bayou Classic football game, events Want to get in a run before Thanksgiving dinner? Check out the Baton Rouge Turkey Trot