Take 3 Burgers x Grumpy Burger Lady: The Ultimate Downtown Fresno Comeback
Dec 11, 2024
Downtown Fresno is about to get a serious burger upgrade as Take 3 Burgers reopens its doors this Sunday, December 15th, in collaboration with none other than Grumpy Burger Lady’s! The father-daughter duo behind the magic, Des Washington and her dad, Brian Washington, are set to serve up their mouthwatering creations at a location that holds a lot of history and heart.
If you’re a long-time Fresno local, you might remember Take 3 Burgers on Fulton Avenue. It was a favorite spot, celebrated not just for its traditional, juicy burgers but for the familial charm that Brian and Des brought to every meal. Four years ago, they made the tough decision to close Take 3 so Brian could focus on his growing construction business. Meanwhile, Des built her own path in the food world, launching her catering company and the wildly popular Grumpy Burger Lady brand, which became a hit at pop-ups and local events.
Des showing off a special rainbow smush burger while championing the Grumpy Burger Lady grill at a local event (Image credit: Grumpy Burger Lady)
Now, with years of experience and a treasure trove of burger memorabilia, Des and Brian are back together. But this isn’t just any reopening, it’s a dynamic new chapter. The space has been refreshed but still reflects a shared love for burgers, creativity, and community. You’ll find the same beloved movie murals by local artist Jason Esquivel and bright colors on the walls, as well as a new feature – the Grumpy Burger Lady’s Burger Mini-Museum—a one-of-a-kind space showcasing treasured burger-themed memorabilia Des has collected through the years.
Des & Brian Washington doing what they do so well together- making delicious food – on a local news show (image credit Des Washington)
Des says her vision was always about more than the food: “You come for the burger, but you stay for the experience.” After two years of searching for locations, negotiating contracts, and navigating setbacks while trying to open her own storefront, she realized that the best place to bring her vision to life was the very location where she and her father first began their burger journey together.
The new venture, Take 3 x Grumpy Burger Lady, will blend the best of both worlds. Brian will offer the traditional juicy burgers Take 3 fans know and love, while Des will bring her signature smush burgers with their crave-worthy melty goodness to the table. Each business is independently owned, but they’re operating as one powerhouse to deliver an unbeatable burger experience.
Opening day festivities kick off Sunday the 15th at 11:00 AM, with a ribbon cutting at 11:30 AM. The restaurant is located at 1230 Fulton Mall, Fresno, CA 93721. Early birds who make a purchase that day will automatically be entered to win free burgers for a year, with the winner announced on social media Monday, December 16th.
Take 3 x Grumpy Burger Lady’s Grand Opening is THIS weekend! (Image credit: Take 3 x Grumpy Burger Lady’s)
Take 3 x Grumpy Burger Lady’s is more than a restaurant—it’s a celebration of family, resilience, and, of course, really great burgers. Make sure to mark your calendar and join the party. You’ll not only enjoy some of the best burgers Fresno has to offer, but you’ll also get to experience a taste of local burger history.