How a Gourmet Burger Chain Became Part of The Cheesecake Factory

Burgers Meet Wine Pairings

Zinburger is known for classic burgers, creamy milkshakes and wine selections. Its name refers to zinfandel, a type of wine grape, and its menu includes chardonnay, sauvignon blanc, pinot noir and cabernet sauvignon.

The restaurant also serves beer. During happy hour, its $16 Happiest Meal combines a 12-ounce draft beer, a double smashburger and fries. The mix of casual food and wine pairings gives the chain a different feel from a typical burger restaurant.

The Acquisition Behind Zinburger

The Cheesecake Factory acquired Zinburger in 2019 when it bought Fox Restaurant Concepts, a Phoenix-based independent subsidiary with more than 12 brands. The two companies had worked together earlier, with The Cheesecake Factory investing in two Fox concepts. The purchase cost more than $300 million. The company said it aimed to generate cash flow over several years in what it calls the “experiential dining category.”

Two Chains, Different Scales

Both restaurants combine familiar food with more upscale touches, and each offers 11 burger varieties when chicken, turkey and vegetarian options are counted at Zinburger. They also both serve wine, beer and cocktails.

Their scale differs sharply. The Cheesecake Factory has more than 250 menu items and over 400 locations worldwide, while Zinburger has five locations, all in Arizona, according to the article.

Expansion and Fan Reviews

Zinburger expanded during the 2010s and once operated in Florida, Georgia, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina and Virginia. By 2020, the pandemic had led most of its restaurants to close. The article also says a previous owner had obtained licensing rights covering 23 U.S. states east of the Mississippi River.

Customers quoted on Facebook praised the food, service and value. One reviewer rated a meal 4.8 out of 5, while another singled out the double truffle fries. A third recommended the happy hour and called it a good deal.