St. Louis’ latest burger joint opens in Maplewood one week from today.
Burger Champ, a casual, counter-service restaurant, will open Friday, Nov. 3, at the corner of Manchester Road and Sutton Boulevard. Burger Champ’s menu consists of smash burgers, chicken sandwiches, fries, onion rings, salads, milkshakes and draft cocktails.
This is the second Maplewood opening in as many years for veteran restaurateur Chris Kelling, who also opened Burger Champ’s sister restaurant, Pizza Champ, on Lyle Avenue in early 2022. The new restaurant is located at 2704 Sutton Blvd., in the space formerly occupied by another Kelling restaurant concept, Elmwood.
For Burger Champ, Kelling assembled an all-star team to develop his dream menu, including Jeff Friesen (Taco Buddha, Juniper/Sunday Best, Farmhaus), who leads the kitchen team. Pastry chef Mathew Rice of Nashville’s Pink Door Cookies developed the menu of nostalgic milkshakes, and Tim Wiggins and Kyle Mathis of Bangers Only created the lineup of draft cocktails.
The menu features a build-your-own burger option, as well as five signature burgers, including: The Champ, a classic burger; BBQ Bacon Cheddar; Jalapeño White; Fancy Boy with aged cheddar, pickled red onion and aioli; and Mushroom Swiss. Other items include the Chicken Champ and Chicken Bacon Ranch sandwiches; The Hot Dog, served “Chicago-ish” style; Chicken Tenders; and Veggies & Hummus. Salad options are Garden, Caesar and Grain.
Milkshake flavors come in Vanilla, Chocolate, Strawberry, Cookies & Cream, PB & J, Creamsicle, and Banana-Butterscotch. Canned beer and wine will also be available, as well as four draft cocktails such as Whiskey Cola and Vodka Raspberry Soda.
Burger Champ will be open on Tuesdays through Thursdays, from 2 to 8 p.m., and Fridays and Saturdays, from 2 to 9 p.m.
