Root Burger

The smash burger craze has come to UCSB! 

Campus Dining is pleased to announce the opening of Root Burger, formally Root 217, located in the UCen Hub. Besides the namesake Rootburger — a quarter-pound fresh beef patty “smashed” into the griddle to achieve that addictive, crispy crust — offerings include several salads, chicken sandwiches, and a made-from-scratch black bean burger, which has quickly become a bestseller. The black bean patty can be swapped in on any of the signature burgers, reflecting the trend toward more plant-based eating. Sides include sweet potato fries; french fries; onion rings or caesar salad, and can be added to any burger or sandwich, along with a drink, for just $2, making a hot, filling, delicious, on-campus lunch for less than $10 a definite possibility.

Quality and value were key ideas in the development of the concept, according to Nick Engebrits, the Assistant Director of Retail Operations. “We want our student customers to leave full without spending a week’s worth of food money on one meal.” Root Burger’s general manager, Liza Holmes, says the initial response has been very positive, with many customers commenting on the high quality of the cooked-to-order meals. To end on a sweet note, try the Cookie Sammie — vanilla ice cream smashed between two freshly baked chocolate chip cookies. Shakes are coming soon, too. Root Burger is currently open 10:30am-4:30pm weekdays and 10:30am-3:30pm Saturday.