“The best burgers all have the same ingredients, but not all are made with patience and love,” Jerry Rehan Ihsan of Jerry’s Gourmet Burgers confessed over the phone. He’s the sole owner of Jerry’s Burgers in Villa Rica, on Dallas Highway near Tanner Hospital, and he’s adamant that emotions like persistence, care, and patience are what make his burgers exceptional.
He has every right to brag. The hole-in-the-wall restaurant has been around for almost 10 years, the anniversary coming up the third week of March.
He admits he’s searched for a more standout location where he could possibly attract more customers, but says, “I don’t want to leave the people who have kept me afloat.” He told me that it warms his heart that some regulars will drive over an hour to eat his burgers, claiming the meals they enjoy from his kitchen are well worth the wait.
“It’s people’s reactions that keep me going,” he says tenderly.
Not only are his guests near and dear to his heart, his one and only employee is “like a nephew” to him, adding to the positive emotions poured into the food and friendship. He encourages his “nephew” to run the restaurant like he owns the place – the confidence adds to the homey vibe and in Jerry’s opinion the food’s flavor.
He states that the most challenging part of running this type of business with just one employee is that the effort is quite exhausting.
“On Saturdays, we are the walking dead!” he jokes. Nevertheless, he thanks God that he stays busy.
For the restaurant’s upcoming 10th anniversary, Jerry will be open regular business hours, Wednesday through Saturday from 11:00 A. M. to 8:00 P. M. or until the food runs out. He’s located at 820 Dallas Highway in Villa Rica. Stop by Jerry’s this week and you will most likely want him and his cooking to stick around for another ten years.
