Chef Made Famous on ‘Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives’ Will Open A New Plano Burger Joint

A brand new burger joint will soon hit DFW’s suburbs with a Diner, Drive-ins, and Dives chef at the helm.

Hammbone Willy’s is slated to debut in the next couple weeks in Plano at 2208 Dallas Pkwy Suite 303, followed by another outpost in Frisco at Teel Crossing Center this summer, according to the venture’s chef Kenny Mills. Owned by a former California almond grower who named the eatery after his children’s nicknames, Hammbone Willy’s plans to launch 10 locations in DFW over the next three years with franchising options as well.

Diner, Drive-ins, and Dives fans may recognize Mills’s name. His former restaurant Chop House Burgers, which debuted in Arlington in 2010 before expanding to more locations, was featured on the show three times in the eatery’s seven-year run. (Note: Mills’ former burger joint isn’t to be confused with the Chop House Burger franchise out of Downtown Dallas, although Mills used to work for its parent company Chop House).

When it opens in early February, diners will find a plethora of counter-service burger options within “rustic chic” interiors, according to Mills. Expect barnwood and tile accents, along with TVs for game watching and a bar that serves up beer and wine. As far as the food is concerned, Mills is looking forward to smoking up salsas, beans, and brisket to top the burgers with an in-house smoker.

Burgers will be made from ground beef, brisket, and short rib and will come with a lot of delectable sounding toppings including house-made poblano sauce, smoked blue cheese, and house-made barbecue sauce. Brisket lovers can look forward to a brisket and bacon-topped burger that features bacon jam, monterey jack cheese, and caramelized onion marmalade. Sides include Hatch chile queso and beer-battered onion rings and pickles to name a few options, and salads will be on offer.

Mills tentatively expects that Hammbone Willy’s will open on the weekend of February 8. Stay tuned for an official opening date.