Dear Brian,

I wanted to write to you because in the last few weeks I visited the restaurant where you’re a team leader, Hollywood Burger. The two times I stopped in, I noticed that my first experience was exactly like the second, and vice versa. In most cases, that type of consistency would be beneficial to a restaurant. Unfortunately, for the dinners I had, it was the opposite. Therein lies the reason why I’m writing to you: I didn’t like a specific dish at your restaurant and I need to explain why. You’re probably wondering which one turned my interest. Let’s just say, it’s the second half of your restaurant’s name.

That’s right, the burgers.

Let’s start at the beginning…

Heading into the restaurant, I recall thinking: “Are there any good restaurants on Hollywood Boulevard?” The only ones I could think of were Katsuya and Cleo’s which both sit off the main street. With that question in my mind, I was hoping the answer would be yours.

Walking in, it was easy to see that Hollywood Burger was different from most of the restaurants I visit. Reason being, you guys have a theme! It seems that most restaurants are being designed with the intent of appearing modern or simplistic, which is fine, but to see a place break away from that and instill a theme based on the surrounding city and its name is refreshing! I liked how your location took on the glitz and glamour of the Hollywood aesthetic. You made great use of colors, lights, camera equipment, and symbols of the city like stars to create a personality in your restaurant. These items helped make your store memorable.

Then there was you.

I loved speaking with you because you had such a great energy about yourself. The way you spoke passionately about your journey of coming from Texas to your first days in the restaurant was so nice to hear. Through our conversations, it felt like you really loved what Hollywood Burger offers people who visit. When I asked questions about how Hollywood Burger started, you were never short of an answer. Even better, you spoke highly of your team. In a day where managers often separate themselves from working alongside their employees, I appreciated you saying you’re directly with them to show you are in no way above them. That was something that I saw when I first walked in. Prior to speaking I saw you behind the counter helping to streamline orders. No sitting, in the break room for you.

One of the first things I enjoyed was your milkshake! The Cinnamon Toast Crunch Milkshake ($4.95) was both beautiful and delicious! I loved how creamy and thick the shake was, but I like that you added the bits of cereal to create more beyond the traditional flavors. Since I didn’t see it on the menu, I’m not sure if this is part of a secret menu or your own creation. If you made it because it seemed like a good idea or to fit your customers, please know you designed a drink that I would eagerly come back to have!

The other dish I liked was the California Dreaming ($7.50). I was surprised at how much I actually liked this one because I had no expectations for a good chicken sandwich at a burger spot. Inside the potato bun was crispy chicken, chipotle mayo, spicy guacamole, a tomato, and American cheese. The chicken was thick and juicy while the guacamole and cheese added unique textures to compliment the fried chicken. Each bite burst with so much flavor that before I knew it, I devoured it all.

 

You know by now it’s the burgers.

As I mentioned I visited the restaurant twice and both times I had the burger. The first time I didn’t like it so I went back to try it again to see if it would be different. Maybe, the first time it wasn’t good because of some fluke like the regular chef wasn’t there.

To be straightforward with you, my opinion on the burger is it was boring and it boils down to the beef. Since I wanted to figure out where the problem was, I took the burger apart and ate it layer by layer. The bread was light and buttery. Although the lettuce was covered in sauce, it was still crispy and tasted fresh. The sauce that covered the lettuce was nice as it was tangy, almost tart, which gave it a sort of kick. Even adding the easily cooked bacon (second visit), tomatoes, and semi-sweet onions all tasted well alone from the whole burger. That’s when I took a few bites of the beef and found the source of my dissatisfaction. The texture of the meat feels so mashed and pressed together to the point that it tasted mushy. Once I got through that, on its own it just tasted boring. There was nothing delicious or memorable about it, and that’s essential in any any burger. I then asked for a few pickles and the sharp citrus helped cut the “mashed” taste of the burger. Was it good after that, not really, but it was acceptable.

Although there were a couple more things that I liked than disliked, the fact that you’re a burger restaurant serving a burger that isn’t great is the reason I wrote this. I know reading words that don’t express the same love you have for your food may be difficult, but my intent is not to be rude or malicious. I simply hope that the honesty here will eventually steer your restaurant into a better direction when it comes to your burgers. That it’ll drive a different focus in how you source, prep, cook, or serve your food. My only goal with this letter is to tell you, your staff, and maybe even your bosses that your company and restaurant are both great, but the burger could improve. And if saying it here will help get it to that point, then it will only turn into something great for the both of us.

Sincerely,

Danielle.

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Address: 6250 Hollywood Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90028
Phone: (323) 378-5668
Hours: Daily – 11:00am to 10:00pm
Social: Website, Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.