The Habit Burger Grill - Chargrilled Burgers and Sandwiches

The Origins of The Habit Burger Grill

The Habit Burger Grill is a fast casual restaurant chain that specializes in chargrilled hamburgers and sandwiches. Founded in 1969 in Santa Barbara, California, The Habit has grown from a single location into a restaurant brand with over 300 locations across the United States and international expansion plans.

The story of The Habit begins in 1969 when the first restaurant opened in Santa Barbara. Back then it was called The Habit Drive-In and the menu centered around old-fashioned drive-in staples like hamburgers, shakes and fries. The founding family, the Russells, wanted to create delicious burgers made with fresh ingredients that stood out from the typical fast food fare. This focus on chargrilled burgers cooked over an open flame and made-to-order is still a core part of The Habit's identity today.

The Habit's Signature Charburgers

At the heart of The Habit's menu is their chargrilled charburger lineup. Their burgers are cooked over an open flame which adds a smoky charred flavor you can't get from a griddle or grill. The char also adds texture and crust to the patty surface.

Their most popular burger is The Habit Burger which comes with caramelized onions, lettuce, tomatoes, pickles and mayo. Another famous charburger is the Double Charburger with two patties and double the toppings. For a Mexican-inspired option they offer The Guacamole Charburger topped with fresh hand-smashed guacamole, salsa casera, lettuce, pickles and tomatoes.

The chargrilling process at The Habit imbues their burgers with a unique smoky, savory flavor. The burgers have a distinctive charred exterior while maintaining a juicy, medium-rare interior. This adds texture and layers of flavor you don't find at many major burger chains.

Handcrafted Sandwiches

In addition to burgers, The Habit menu also features an array of handcrafted sandwiches. These include both cold and hot sandwiches made with high-quality ingredients.

Some of their popular sandwiches include the Chicken Club, the Cobb Salad Sandwich, the Chicken Caesar Pita Taco and the Fried Chicken Sandwich. One standout option is the Double Cheeseburger Melt Sandwich which packs two charburgers between slices of grilled sourdough bread with melted cheddar.

The Habit puts their signature spin on each sandwich with additions like avocado, chargrilled chicken, caramelized onions and roasted tri-tip. The sandwiches complement their burgers nicely and give customers a reason to come back and try the different options.

Fresh Salads & Sides

The Habit menu includes a variety of fresh salads for lighter meal options. Their salads are made with hand-chopped lettuce, diced tomatoes, sliced avocado and blue cheese crumbles. The restaurant's famous Green Goddess dressing comes on the side.

Some salads include chargrilled chicken, bacon bits or a scoop of tuna salad for extra protein. The Cobb Salad even includes diced charburger patties for a heartier meal.

For sides, customers can choose from Habit Fries, sweet potato fries, onion rings, fried zucchini and tempura green beans. They also offer chargrilled corn on the cob brushed with seasoning and lime.

Handcrafted Shakes & Malts

To complete the classic drive-in feel, The Habit offers a lineup of handcrafted shakes and malts. They have classic chocolate and vanilla shakes along with rotating specialty flavors.

Some limited time shakes include Strawberry Shortcake, Cookies 'n Cream, Pineapple Upside Down Cake and Salted Caramel. The shakes have soft serve ice cream blended with milk for a thick, creamy treat to accompany your meal.

For extra decadence, customers can upgrade to a malt shake with malt powder added in. It provides a subtle roasted flavor and extra creaminess.

The Habit's Restaurant History & Fun Facts

Here are some key facts about The Habit Burger Grill's origins and history over 50+ years of serving chargrilled burgers:

• The first Habit opened in 1969 in Santa Barbara, California
• The restaurant was originally called The Habit Drive-In
• The founding Russel family still owns and runs The Habit today
• The chargrilled preparation was inspired by the family's love of tri-tip BBQ
• They have been serving their famous Green Goddess dressing since opening
• By 2007, The Habit expanded to 17 locations throughout California
• The company then grew through franchising across the US starting in 2008
• In 2014, The Habit had their IPO and became a publicly traded company
• Today there are over 300 Habit locations in the US and China
• They plan to continue expanding nationally and internationally

From a single drive-in to a 300+ location dining brand, The Habit has come a long way while staying true to its roots of chargrilled, made-to-order burgers and sandwiches. Their focus on quality ingredients and signature prep styles gives them an edge in the better burger market.

The Habit Burger Grill Menu Highlights

Here is an overview of some standout menu items that showcase The Habit's chargrilled burgers, sandwiches, sides and shakes:

Burgers

• The Habit Burger - lettuce, tomatoes, caramelized onions, mayo
• Double Charburger - two patties, double toppings
• Guacamole Charburger - guacamole, pico de gallo, lettuce, tomatoes
• Bacon Cheddar Charburger - bacon, cheddar cheese
• Bistro Burger - sautéed mushrooms, Swiss cheese

Sandwiches

• Chicken Club - bacon, avocado, chargrilled chicken
• Tuna Melt - tuna salad, Swiss cheese, tomatoes
• Fried Chicken Sandwich - buttermilk fried chicken, pickles
• Tri-Tip Sandwich - roasted tri-tip, onions, peppers
• Chicken Caesar Pita Taco - chargrilled chicken, Caesar dressing

Salads & Sides

• Chinese Chicken Salad - chargrilled chicken, cabbage, carrots, sesame ginger dressing
• Southwest Chili Lime Salad - corn, black beans, avocado, crispy tortilla strips
• Side Salad - lettuce, carrots, tomatoes, choice of dressing
• Seasoned Fries
• Sweet Potato Fries
• Onion Rings
• Chargrilled Corn on the Cob

Shakes & Malts

• Chocolate Shake
• Vanilla Shake
• Strawberry Shake
• Cookies 'n Cream Shake
• Salted Caramel Shake
• Chocolate Malt
• Vanilla Malt

The Habit Burger Grill Restaurant Experience

Here's an overview of what customers can expect from a dining experience at The Habit Burger Grill:

Casual, Inviting Atmosphere

The restaurants have an easygoing, welcoming atmosphere perfect for grabbing a quick meal or sitting down to hangout. Lots of wood accents and relaxed colors add to the casual vibe.

Made-to-Order Food

All items are made fresh when ordered so expect a bit of wait time. Burgers are cooked over an open flame and assembled per request. Sandwiches, salads and sides are also crafted right as you order.

Hearty Portions

The portions are quite substantial at The Habit. Their burgers are generously sized, piled with toppings on a toasted bun. Sandwiches are also packed with fillings between thick slices of bread or stuffed into a pita or taco shell.

Dine-In, Takeout & Drive-Thru

Most locations have decently sized dining rooms for eating in along with takeout and drive-thru options. You can grab food to go or have it brought to your table.

Family-Friendly Prices

The prices are pretty reasonable, especially for the large portions. Their chargrilled burgers range from $4-$7 depending on toppings. Sandwiches are typically $6-$10 and salads around $9. So it's a very family-budget friendly spot.

Why Customers Love The Habit

Here are some of the key reasons why The Habit Burger Grill has developed such a loyal following over the decades:

Chargrilled Burgers

Their signature burgers cooked over an open flame have tons of flavor from searing and smoke. You get a great charred exterior and juicy medium-rare interior.

Fresh, Quality Ingredients

They use fresh, high-quality ingredients like ground chuck, hand-cut vegetables, real cheeses and mayo. No fillers or artificial flavors.

Customizable

With make-to-order cooking, you can customize burger toppings and sandwiches exactly how you want. Mix and match favorites or leave off what you don't like.

Classic Drive-In Vibes

From the menu to the atmosphere, they've maintained a cool classic drive-in feel. It's a novelty you don't find at giant chains.

Nostalgic Flavors

In addition to their chargrilled burgers, they offer old-school sides like corn, chili and shakes. The tastes bring back nostalgia of traditional drive-ins.

Good Value

For the quality of ingredients and portions, The Habit offers really solid value. You get a satisfying meal without breaking the bank.

How The Habit Stacks Up to Competitors

Here is how The Habit Burger Grill compares to some of its major competitors in the better burger market:

In-N-Out

Another West Coast chain with a similar no-frills approach. But The Habit offers more variety in burgers, sandwiches and salads.

Five Guys

Both cook burgers fresh to order with lots of toppings choices. The Habit edges out on quality of ingredients and charbroiled flavor.

Shake Shack

Also focuses on fresh burgers with retro vibe. The Habit has lower prices across the board.

Smashburger

"Smashing" patties givesburgers a crispier exterior but The Habit's chargrilling yields more smoky, nuanced flavor.

Fuddruckers

Allows customizing cooked-to-order burgers but The Habit uses higher-end ingredients and cooking.

While influenced by these chains, The Habit stands out through its chargrilled dishes, quality ingredients and amazing flavors. They've carved their own niche that sets them apart in the crowded burger market.

The Future of The Habit Burger Grill

As The Habit approaches its 50th anniversary in 2019, they continue expanding their presence across the United States and internationally. Their future plans include:

• Opening more company-owned and franchised locations nationwide
• Expanding into new US regions like the Northeast and Northwest
• Growing brand awareness across the country
• Offering online ordering and delivery options
• Continuing menu innovation with new burgers, sandwiches and sides
• Opening restaurants in Asia to establish global presence
• Staying true to their chargrilling and fresh ingredients philosophy

The Habit's focus on quality, chargrilled flavor has allowed them to stand out from major chains and grow a passionate customer base across 300+ locations so far. If they can maintain this momentum while expanding nationwide and globally, The Habit could become the next iconic American burger brand.

FAQs

What is The Habit Burger Grill known for?

The Habit is known for its chargrilled burgers and sandwiches cooked over an open flame. This gives them a delicious charred flavor you can't get from a flat top or grill. Their signature prep style sets them apart from other better burger chains.

Are Habit Burgers made fresh to order?

Yes, one of The Habit's core philosophies is that burgers and sandwiches are always made fresh and customized when you order. The charburgers are cooked completely to order over an open flame.

What kind of burgers does The Habit offer?

Their burgers include the original Habit Burger, Double Charburger, Guacamole Charburger, Bacon Cheddar Charburger and specialty options like the Bistro Burger with mushrooms and Swiss. You can customize toppings too.

Does The Habit have vegetarian options?

Yes, vegetarians can enjoy their chargrilled B.L.T. sans bacon or a Veggie Burger topped with avocado and cheese. They also have a variety of fresh salads like the Chinese Chicken Salad minus the chicken.

Can I get The Habit delivered?

Many locations offer convenient delivery through services like DoorDash, Uber Eats and Postmates. Delivery is a great way to enjoy their chargrilled burgers without leaving home.