The Counter Custom Built Burgers will open its sixth Northern California location in San Mateo on Nov. 22.
The location will feature 3,400 square feet of space that seats up to 70 guests indoor and another 1,000 square feet of patio space for up to 50 guests. An upstairs 200-square-foot mezzanine will also seat an additional 25 guests and is available for private parties. The restaurant will offer a full bar, including the option to BYOC (build your own cocktail) and local beers from Devil’s Canyon Brewery and Scotch Ale IPA. Artwork on the walls features the “Color of Rock and Roll” photography by Gary Copeland, and will be available for sale.
“I am thrilled to be opening in my own backyard …” said Peter Katz, the Counter Northern California franchisee. “This location is the largest we have built in the Bay Area and has special amenities, including a mezzanine available for parties, an outdoor fireplace for hanging out and a full bar serving wine, beer and cocktails.”
Guests can select from three sizes of proteins – one-third, two-third and one-pound – made from all-natural Angus beef and an array of 12 cheeses, 33 toppings, 21 unique sauces and four types of buns. Alternatively, guests can choose a bun-free Burger in a Bowl. Sample toppings and sauces include grilled pineapple, dried cranberries, roasted corn and black bean salsa, fried egg, honey cured bacon, basil pesto and chipotle aioli.
The Counter was founded in 2003 by Jeff Weinstein. In July 2005, GQ magazine columnist Alan Richman named The “Build Your Own Burger” to his list of the best burgers in America and “The Oprah Winfrey Show” featured The Counter’s inclusion on Richman’s list in a 2006 show highlighting the “20 Hamburgers You Must Eat Before You Die.” There are currently 24 locations in the United States and 2 international locations.
