A new ‘smash burger’ grill is coming to the hospital district in south Fort Worth
UPDATE: Allan said July 9 he will not open the hamburger restaurant and instead is leaving the restaurant business.
Burgers will replace doughnuts in an Eighth Avenue space in the hospital district.
But these aren’t just any burgers.
Derek Allan’s Wagyu Burgers, 1000 Eighth Avenue, will serve thin-patty burgers smashed and crisped on the grill at the new cousin restaurant to his Derek Allan’s Texas Barbecue in the next block.
The burgers will be made from a blend of Wagyu brisket and chuck from the barbecue restaurant, Allan said this week.
“This spot came open, and there’s no hamburger place around here,” he said.
It’s amazing to think there was anywhere in Fort Worth that didn’t have a hamburger place. But he’s right.
The Near Southside corner of Eighth Avenue and Rosedale Street near Cook Children’s hospital has burritos, barbecue and coffee, but no burgers.
It’s at least a five-block walk to Lili’s Bistro for a lunch burger. And the nearest takeout burger grills are a Braum’s Ice Cream & Dairy Store or the old-timey, 1976-vintage Good Luck Drive In.
None is anything like the grill Allan plans. He’ll serve thin and juicy burgers in the awkward space that was formerly home to a Funky Town Donuts, which continues in its Sundance Square space at 132 E. Fourth St.
“They’re just different — the thin burgers that you smash on the grill just melt in your mouth,” he said.
He’ll offer a menu of regular burgers with toppings such as his “beef bacon,” along with fries and shakes.
“I want to give the hospital crowd something new,” he said.
There’s only one concern about the location: You can’t see it.
It’s wedged behind a bank and a Starbucks, a block north of Rosedale Street.
“That’s exactly what I said,” Allan said. “When Funky Town was closing, my wife said, ‘Let’s go,’ and I said, ‘Where? I can’t see it.’ “
“My Number One goal for that spot is to bring more visibility.”
It’ll open by fall, and Allan plans an expanded patio and parking lot activities, he said.
Derek Allan’s opened two years in a former gas station.
(Yes, Fort Worth has a lot of restaurants in old gas stations.)
It’s known for craft brisket and in particular for a full morning breakfast menu, including brisket-and-eggs combos and waffles.
Derek Allan’s barbecue restaurant is open from breakfast through late afternoon. It’s at 817-238-3840; derekallansbbq.com.
This story was originally published May 4, 2022 at 5:45 AM.
