In honor of National Hamburger Day, let's take a look at the history of Camp Bowie's burger joints! The Boulevard has been home to many well-known spots over the years, each with its own special niche on the American staple. Whether it's bacon, bison, or beef there is no shortage of specialty burgers to satisfy your craving. Let's dig in!
In 1944, Roy Pope founded his market at Collingwood and Merrick Street and began serving up juicy burgers daily. Just two years later, a second location was founded in partnership with Charles Kincaid, known as Pope-Kincaid Grocery. After much disagreement over whether the store should remain selling groceries or transform into a burger shop, each owner decided to keep his own market. Now, nearly a generation later, Roy Pope Grocery has undergone a massive remodel and reopened its doors for business. The leaf lettuce, red onion, and red tomato come straight from the shelves of Roy Pope's produce section. Roy Pope's tradition of a buttered and grill-toasted bun remains the same as it has for decades.
While Kincaid's Hamburgers originated as a grocer on the Boulevard more than 90 years ago, the Camp Bowie icon has been serving up delicious and juicy burgers for over 57 years now. This long-standing tradition began with O.R. Gentry cooking up burgers for local customers visiting Charles Kincaid Grocery. Gentry transformed the market into a hamburger institution, and it still shines with the grocery’s original name. Using the best cuts of meat and the freshest produce, their burgers are known for their quality and delicious taste. Their menu also features a selection of sandwiches, hot dogs, and creamy Blue Bell Ice Cream malts and shakes.
Next, we have Tommy's Hamburgers, who have been in business since 1983. Tommy’s was originally founded by Tommy and Glenda Smith as a Texaco convenience store in Lake Worth, TX. Today, Kelly carries on the family tradition in her first location which opened in 2002 at 5228 Camp Bowie Boulevard. For almost 18 years now, the Camp Bowie location has been serving hot, delicious burgers, tater tots, and crispy fries. Their restaurant is family-friendly, and it's very popular with the locals. Tommy's has an impressive selection of local beers on tap, as well as an extensive wine collection.
Lucille's Stateside Bistro has been serving up burgers since 1994. Lucille's is located at 4700 Camp Bowie which was originally constructed in 1927 as a restaurant called Steve's Cafe, which was known for being one of the best establishments in Fort Worth. After becoming the Black-Eyed Pea restaurant from 1979 to 1992, Lucile's leased the premises and began restoration and construction on Lucille's, which opened to the public on April 12, 1993. Chef George Castillo rightfully titled his famous burger The Juicy Lucy, which is a char-grilled patty stuffed with diced jalapeno and American cheese, topped with grilled red bell pepper, spicy bread & butter pickles, and Juicy Lucy sauce on a buttered, caramelized bun. Served with dill pickle and choice of homemade fries or sweet potato fries. Make sure to try their other 4 burgers on the menu, with so many options Lucille's is perfect for any burger connoisseur!
Righteous Foods opened up in 2014 with the mission to serve health-conscious food with the use of responsibly sourced ingredients. Owner Lanny Lancarte is no newbie to the food scene, as a fourth-generation restaurateur and great-grandson of Joe T. Garcia. Having lived in Mexico, Lanny was immersed in Interior Mexican cuisine, which sparked his opening of Lanny's Alta Cocina Mexicana. When Righteous Foods opened in its place, the famous Niman Ranch Beef Burger was born. This burger is served with smoked gouda, chlorophyll aioli, house pickles, pickled red onions, baby greens, and tomato making it the most exotic burger on the Boulevard! This tasty burger certainly suits their brand and your taste buds!
Most recently, The Meat Board joined The Boulevard burger party. The Meat Board is Fort Worth's newest premium steak and previsions retail store, they proudly source from responsible suppliers that ensure the most tender, juicy, and flavorful eating experience. Their burgers are no exception! The Meat Board opened in early 2020, featuring their Double Standard burger that people can’t stop raving about. This burger features two Chuck and Tenderloin blend beef patties, white cheddar, lettuce, tomato, mustard, mayonnaise, on a sweet kolache roll. While you're grabbing lunch, make sure to pick up some steaks to grill!
The best part about all these burgers? They are located at locally owned and operated eateries along Camp Bowie Boulevard, ready to serve you. Treat yourself to a tasty burger at any of these establishments, you won’t regret it!