TELL US HOW SQUEEZE BURGER ORIGINATED.
The very first location was in Sacramento near Fruitridge Road and is still operating today. The original owners invented the cheese skirt and Travis Hausauer bought the restaurant in 2004. Fruitridge Road is the very location where we were featured on Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives in 2007 with Guy Fieri.
WHAT IS A “CHEESE SKIRT”?
The cheese skirt is a ring of grilled shredded cheddar cheese that we steam to perfection.
WE HEAR YOU HAVE 22 BEERS ON TAP – WHAT ARE YOUR TOP FAVORITES?
Deschutes Fresh Squeezed IPA, 21st Amendment, and Firestone.
ARE THERE ANY SPECIALS WE SHOULD KNOW ABOUT?
Every Tuesday we have $3 cheese skirted tacos and happy hour is Monday – Friday 3:00 to 6:00 pm. On Monday’s, kids ten and younger eat free with an adult purchase.
WHAT GOT YOU INTO THE RESTAURANT BUSINESS?
My husband Dean and I both lost our jobs in 2011. Our son, Matt’s in-laws, Travis and Vicki Hausauer, were expanding the Squeeze Inn brand, and after much prayer and research we decided to open a Squeeze Burger in Tracy. Once we started working with our kids, and were having so much fun, we decided to open a Squeeze Burger with both families, Davis and Hausauer, as well as Brian Salemme. So, I guess you could say we got into the restaurant business by necessity and opportunity coming together.
AS A FAMILY OWNED AND OPERATED BUSINESS, WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE PART?
Working with people and meeting all the challenges it takes to run a restaurant. In the beginning it was all hands-on deck with each and every family member, but now the kids have their own careers, families and priorities. If we ever do need help, they are always available on a moment’s notice.
DO YOU HAVE ANY ADVICE FOR PEOPLE GETTING INTO BUSINESS WITH THEIR FAMILY?
Our family met together every week for months talking about all the pros and cons of a family business. One thing we all agreed upon was our relationships were more important than issues or things. My advice would be to make sure you lay everything out on the table and keep communication lines strong before going into a business with your family.
WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE DESSERT ITEM ON THE MENU?
We have the best deep-fried Oreos with ice cream and chocolate syrup, topped with whipping cream.
WE KNOW THERE’S MORE THAN JUST A CHEESE SKIRT BURGER – BUT TELL US WHAT ELSE IS ON THE MENU?
We have cheese skirted tacos, chicken sandwiches and salads, along with grilled cheese and BLT sandwiches.
HOW DO YOU STAY ACTIVE IN THE COMMUNITY?
We support local schools with fundraisers and this year we are hosting a fundraiser for “Guide Dogs for the Blind” on Oct. 12th here at Squeeze Burger in Lincoln Center!
