Burger update: Here’s more about chef Bonnell’s new Jon’s Grille in Fort Worth
Our “Summer of Burgers” is nearly over, but Jon’s Grille is only beginning.
In a season when the relocated Fred’s Texas Cafe did turn-away business and more new burger grills popped up everywhere, the next big event is the September opening of chef Jon Bonnell’s burgers-and-barbecue restaurant, 2905 W. Berry St.
Jon’s is at least two weeks from opening, but the amount of interest already indicates it’ll be just as busy as Fred’s was in May and June, when the venerable home of the “Fred Burger” reopened with up wait times up to an hour.
Unlike Fred’s, Jon’s is not in its 45th year serving a reliably unchanged classic burger.
But Bonnell has 20 years of history at his own steakhouse serving “fine Texas cuisine.” And he’s bringing back the name of a popular restaurant open near TCU from 1988 to 2006.
Let’s talk first about what the new Jon’s is not.
It is not the old Jon’s.
That was a burger grill owned by the late Jon Meyerson and his sister, Janis, in what is now the home of Dutch’s, 3009 S. University Drive.
The old Jon’s was popular for its “burgers of your life” menu featuring local favorites from 60 years ago, such as the Carlson’s Drive Inn hickory-bacon cheeseburger.
“As much as I loved the old Jon’s Grille, we have decided to do a completely new concept,” Bonnell messaged.
The new Jon’s will have a photo and dedication to Meyerson. But copying it would “feel almost disrespectful,” Bonnell wrote.
His version will feature Wagyu Akaushi-Angus beef from his own ranch, plus barbecue brisket, sausage and hand-spun shakes.
Jon’s Grille will offer a choice of thick (“the Fatty”) or thin (“the Flatty”) burgers.
Note for future reference: Jon’s will serve food until 2 a.m. every night, joining his nearby Buffalo Bros. pizza-wings-and-subs restaurant among the few choices for late-night dining.
The location is in a 90-year-old retail strip that was formerly home to the HOP and the Aardvark music clubs and to a campus ministry.
Watch for more at facebook.com/jonsgrille; 817-349-8722.
Fred’s Texas Cafe now open 7 days
The mob scene has calmed at the new Fred’s Texas Cafe, now open for lunch and dinner daily.
For the first few weeks, Fred’s was open limited days and hours, mainly because there was a waiting line from the 11 a.m. opening and the staff needed the rest.
Fred’s now serves its simple menu of burgers, chicken-fried steaks and nachos all day, plus a family-sized banana pudding.
Plans for a brunch menu have been shelved for now, owner Quincy Wallace said.
The best time to beat the crowd is at midafternoon on a weekday or after 7 weeknights, Wallace said.
Fred’s is at 7101 Camp Bowie West, on the corner at Alta Mere Drive (Spur 580 at Texas 183); 817-332-0083, fredstexascafe.com.
A north Fort Worth location continues at 2730 Western Center Blvd.; 817-232-0111.
This story was originally published August 24, 2022 at 5:45 AM.
