The rich aroma of hamburgers hits the moment you walk into Cal Burger & More, which recently opened in Berkeley.
Located at 1805 Euclid Ave., Cal Burger & More serves burgers, wings, onion rings, fries, mozzarella sticks and its signature “crazyades” drinks, which include various lemonades topped with candy.
When The Daily Californian paid a visit, owner Maya Murchison-Turner was setting up tables, taking orders and preparing food, all with a warm smile. She explained this was the first time she would be operating a restaurant, never mind owning one.
A burger place was for sale, and Murchison-Turner jumped at the opportunity. She said this was partly due to the location and partly because she’s “one of those people that thinks (she) can do anything” when she puts her mind to it.
In addition to owning a restaurant, she handles public relations for companies and small businesses, as well as branding and interior design work. She has a grown daughter, so she said she knows what it’s like to have a kid in college who can’t afford elaborate meals.
Murchison-Turner said she has used her work and parenting experience to create an enjoyable, entertaining atmosphere at Cal Burger & More. She said one of the “main things is that I want (customers) to come and have a good experience.”
She said she makes this possible by having board games available for customers and a large television screen playing at all times. Also, Fridays at Cal Burgers & More are dedicated to karaoke.
On Tuesdays, the store offers a deal targeted to students: a burger, fries and drink for $10.
Customer responses have been strong so far, according to Murchison-Turner, who said she already has about 10 to 12 repeat customers. She said one customer comes every other day just to order chicken wings.
Ultimately, Murchison-Turner said she wants the restaurant’s environment to be like her own home when her kids were growing up.
“They’re eating; they’re drinking; they’re having a good time,” Murchison-Turner said.
This article was authored by Maya Osinski, a participant in The Daily Californian’s High School Journalism Intensive. Osinski’s participation was made possible by the Contra Costa Youth Journalism program.