Small Houston Craft Burger Business Jerry Built Shutters
It would seem like burgers made with local and organic ingredients would be an easy sell, but craft burger establishment Jerry Built shuttered this week. The tiny chain only had two locations: 10403 Katy Freeway in the Memorial area and the original at 3501 West Holcombe. Another location in The Woodlands closed earlier this year.
Houston Food Finder barbecue and meat columnist Scott Sandlin visited the original Jerry Built location during an exploration of Houston’s craft burger chains and was very impressed with the quality ingredients used, saying:
“Jerry Built provides fresh, organic ingredients, including sustainably-harvested seasonal produce from local and regional farms. Owner Chad Glauser says that they ‘can trace the source of the lettuce in the kitchen on any given day to the farm and even the row that it was picked from.’ The all-natural philosophy isn’t limited to the produce—Glauser proudly noted that ‘no multi-animal proteins are served.’ Jerry Built only serves pasture-raised beef and poultry that are free of added hormones, antibiotics, and nitrates. Burgers are flame-grilled, and hand-cut fries are cooked in 100-percent non-GMO sunflower oil.”
For those who care about food made with quality ingredients, Jerry Built’s closing is a loss. However, former general manager Brian Dolan says his biggest concern now is ensuring that their 50 employees are able to secure new jobs as soon as possible. For restaurants looking to hire, Dolan says to contact him at 281-433-8789.
Dolan declined to give us an official statement about the closing and instead referred us to owner Chad Glauser. We have left a message for Glauser and will update this article with a statement if we hear back.
Phaedra Cook has written about Houston’s restaurant and bar scene since 2010. She was a regular contributor to My Table magazine (now closed) and was the lead restaurant critic for the Houston Press for two years, eventually being promoted to food editor. Cook founded Houston Food Finder in November 2016 and has been its editor and publisher ever since.
Thank you to all the employees at Jerry Built on Holcombe who provided us with great service and good food. You are appreciated and missed.
I think the problem is the price. Organic food, while noble and healthy to some, has a hefty price tag compared to burger places that use conventional methods.
It is sad to see any business close. I know the heartbreak of having to close a restaurant that you had dreams of making a success. I was impressed by the thoughtful approach this company took in what they produced. Best wishes for a quick recovery to all involved.
Balls-Out Burger, getting ready to open, “Now Hiring.”
Location is on Durham, between 13th and 17th Streets, inside North Loop