Habit Restaurants, LLC, an Irvine-based restaurant company whose char-grilled burger concept began in Santa Barbara in 1969, has announced plans to open four additional restaurants in Orange County by the end of the year. There are currently 60 Habit Burger Grill locations throughout California and Arizona and the organization will add a total of 16 restaurants to its expanding empire in 2012. The Habit Burger Grill distinguishes itself in the fast casual burger segment with its signature, flame-grilled Charburger, menu variety and value.
“The Habit has already shown a history of success in Orange County. Customers appreciate quality food made to order, served with a smile and at an affordable price,” said Russ Bendel, the company’s chief executive officer. “We anticipate our four new locations will add to our positive results here.” The Huntington Beach restaurant will open in mid-September on the site of a former Tommy Pastrami at 18001 Beach Boulevard near Talbert Street. The next opening will be at 638 Camino del los Mares in San Clemente, which was previously a Carl’s Jr. unit. The Habit in Costa Mesa will be at 1510 Adams Avenue, near Harbor Boulevard. The Irvine address has not yet been disclosed. The average Habit is 2,000 square feet and often features patio dining. Each restaurant employs approximately 35 people. Prior to each opening, The Habit Burger holds previews which serve as fundraisers generating thousands of dollars to various community-supported non-profits.
The company’s 100% fresh, made-to-order Charburger, starting at $2.95, is grilled on a char-broiler. The open flame imparts a deliciously smoky flavor, unobtainable from the standard flat top method of cooking burgers. Five sandwiches include a signature fresh-grilled albacore tuna that is line-caught and hand-filleted in the restaurants daily. Six entree salads made from fresh, hand-cut ingredients are tossed to order. Sweet potato fries, onion rings and French fries are complemented by handmade shakes, malts, sundaes and a $1 vanilla ice cream cone. A year ago the company introduced the Habit Truck, which has a full kitchen, digital menu board and sound system and is designed for events from 100 to more than 500 guests. For more information, visit www.habitburger.com. The Habit is also on Facebook at www.facebook.com/habitburger, on Twitter at @HabitBurger and on YouTube at www.youtube.com/habittube.
The Habit opened in Santa Barbara, California in 1969. Soon after, 16-year old Brent Reichard got his first job there flipping burgers and a few years later he and his brother Bruce made the life-changing decision to buy it. Through hard work and dedication The Habit has grown since then, but remains focused on one simple philosophy: always deliver high quality food and great service at reasonable prices.
