{{Short description|Fast-food restaurant chain}} {{Infobox restaurant | embed = | name = Next Level Burger | title = <!-- If embedding use this for secondary small font title --> | logo = Next Level Burger logo.png | logo_width = | logo_alt = | image = | image_width = | image_alt = | image_caption = | mapframe = <!-- Set to yes to show a mapframe map --> | pushpin_map = <!-- Requires {{para|coordinates}} --> | map_alt = | map_caption = | map_size = | established = {{Start date|2014}} | closed = <!-- {{End date|YYYY|MM|DD}} --> | current_owner = | previous_owner = | manager = | head_chef = | chef = | pastry_chef = | food_type = | dress_code = | rating = | street_address = | city = | county = | state = | postcode = <!-- or |zip= --> | country = | coordinates = <!-- {{coord|latitude|longitude|type:landmark|display=inline,title}} --> | seating_capacity = | reservations = | other_locations = | other_information = <!-- or |other_label= --> | website = <!-- {{URL|example.com}} --> }} '''Next Level Burger''' is a restaurant chain. Based in Bend, Oregon, the restaurant serves plant-based fast food.<ref name=":0">{{Cite web |title=Next Level Burger gets $20 million investment to reach goal of 1,000 units |url=https://www.nrn.com/quick-service/next-level-burger-gets-20-million-investment-to-reach-goal-of-1-000-units |access-date=2025-05-13 |website=www.nrn.com |language=en}}</ref>
The business acquired Veggie Grill.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Next Level Burger proves meat isn't necessary for a quality burger |url=https://www.nrn.com/emerging-chains/next-level-burger-proves-meat-isn-t-necessary-for-a-quality-burger |access-date=2025-05-13 |website=www.nrn.com |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Next Level Burger Acquires Veggie Grill |url=https://vegoutmag.com/news/next-level-burger-acquires-veggie-grill/ |access-date=2025-05-13 |website=VegOut |language=en-US |archive-date=2025-03-19 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250319071718/https://vegoutmag.com/news/next-level-burger-acquires-veggie-grill/ |url-status=live }}</ref> Next Level and Veggie Grill are the largest wholly owned plant-based chains in the U.S.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Coley |first=Ben |date=2024-08-30 |title=Next Level Burger and Veggie Grill Announce New Menu Items |url=https://www.qsrmagazine.com/uncategorized/next-level-burger-and-veggie-grill-announce-new-menu-items/ |access-date=2025-05-23 |website=QSR Magazine |language=en-US |archive-date=2025-03-16 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250316070244/https://www.qsrmagazine.com/uncategorized/next-level-burger-and-veggie-grill-announce-new-menu-items/ |url-status=live }}</ref>
Matthew de Gruyter is a co-founder and the chief executive officer.<ref name=":0" />
== Description == Next Level Burger serves plant-based fast food. The menu includes burgers, French fries, and milkshakes with a coconut or soy milk base.<ref name=":1">{{Cite web |title=Next Level Burger proves meat isn't necessary for a quality burger |url=https://www.nrn.com/emerging-chains/next-level-burger-proves-meat-isn-t-necessary-for-a-quality-burger |access-date=2025-05-23 |website=www.nrn.com |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":2">{{Cite web |last=Nelson |first=Sean |title=Restaurant Review: Meat Is Murder, but Next Level Burger Is Just Killer |url=https://www.thestranger.com/food-and-drink/2017/10/25/25488328/restaurant-review-meat-is-murder-but-next-level-burger-is-just-killer |access-date=2025-05-23 |website=The Stranger |language=en |archive-date=2024-01-06 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240106003354/https://www.thestranger.com/food-and-drink/2017/10/25/25488328/restaurant-review-meat-is-murder-but-next-level-burger-is-just-killer |url-status=live }}</ref> Burger options include the All-American, which has tempeh bacon, cheddar or Swiss-style "cheese", and egg-free mayonnaise, as well as the Brunch Burger,<ref>{{Cite web |last= |first= |date=2023-04-27 |title=Next Level Burger to Introduce the Brunch Burger featuring JUST Egg |url=https://www.qsrmagazine.com/news/next-level-burger-introduce-brunch-burger-featuring-just-egg/ |access-date=2025-05-23 |website=QSR Magazine |language=en-US}}</ref> the Sausage Bacon, and the Signature, which has a patty made from umami mushroom and quinoa, avocado, and mayonnaise with garlic and thyme. Next Level has also served a Chili Chz Dog, salads, and sandwiches.<ref name=":2" /> Among milkshake varieties are Cookies N' Cream and Mint Chocolate Chip.<ref>{{Cite web |title=8 Spots for Vegan Milkshakes in NYC |url=https://vegoutmag.com/food-and-drink/vegan-milkshakes-nyc/ |access-date=2025-05-23 |website=VegOut |language=en-US}}</ref>
== History and locations == [[File:SXSW05 WholeFoodsMothership.jpg|thumb|In Texas, Next Level Burger operates at the flagship Whole Foods Market in Austin.]] thumb|Exterior of a restaurant in Portland, Oregon, 2025
Next Level Burger was established by Matt and Cierra de Gruyter in 2014.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Wong |first=Janey |date=2022-09-16 |title=Next Level Burger Has Raised $20 Million in Its Bid for Nationwide Expansion |url=https://pdx.eater.com/2022/9/16/23356897/next-level-burger-20-million-nationwide-expansion |access-date=2025-05-13 |website=Eater Portland |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":1" /> As of 2022, there were nine locations. In addition to Oregon, the business operates in the U.S. states of California, Colorado, New York, Texas, and Washington.<ref name=":0" />
In Portland, Oregon, the restaurant on Hawthorne Boulevard in southeast Portland opened in 2015.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Bend-Based Next Level Burger Is Now Open on Hawthorne |url=https://www.pdxmonthly.com/eat-and-drink/2015/10/bend-based-next-level-burger |access-date=2025-05-13 |website=Portland Monthly |language=en-US}}</ref> The West Burnside Street location opened in April 2022,<ref>{{Cite web |title=Next Level Burger goes west with new Burnside location |url=https://www.bizjournals.com/portland/news/2022/04/29/next-level-burger-providence-park.html |access-date=2025-05-13 |website=Portland Business Journal}}</ref> then closed in May 2025 citing ongoing security concerns. Next Level also operates in Lake Oswego, Oregon.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2025-05-21 |title=Next Level Burger closes downtown Portland location over security concerns |url=https://www.kgw.com/article/news/local/bend-based-vegan-burger-chain-closes-downtown-portland/283-28c5944c-2014-4b97-bbd1-b6d4fc7deb17 |access-date=2025-05-23 |website=kgw.com |language=en-US}}</ref>
In Washington, a Next Level location opened in Seattle's Roosevelt neighborhood in 2017.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Hill |first=Megan |date=2017-08-03 |title=Vegan Superstar Next Level Burger Opens in Roosevelt Whole Foods August 25 |url=https://seattle.eater.com/2017/8/3/16083444/next-level-burger-vegan-roosevelt-opening |access-date=2025-05-13 |website=Eater Seattle |language=en}}</ref> As of October 2018, Next Level was slated to open in the city's Ballard neighborhood in December.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Walker |first=Meghan |date=2022-10-13 |title=Vegan fast-food restaurant Next Level Burger is coming to Ballard |url=https://www.myballard.com/2022/10/13/vegan-fast-food-restaurant-next-level-burger-is-coming-to-ballard/ |access-date=2025-05-23 |website=My Ballard |language=en-US |archive-date=2024-03-02 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240302164625/https://www.myballard.com/2022/10/13/vegan-fast-food-restaurant-next-level-burger-is-coming-to-ballard/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Next Level Burger Is Opening Soon in Seattle's Ballard Neighborhood |url=https://vegoutmag.com/news/next-level-burger-seattle/ |access-date=2025-05-23 |website=VegOut |language=en-US |archive-date=2025-01-25 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250125023524/https://vegoutmag.com/news/next-level-burger-seattle/ |url-status=live }}</ref>
In 2018, Next Level announced plans to open in the flagship location of Whole Foods Market in Austin, Texas.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Russell |first=Erin |date=2018-07-17 |title=Whole Foods' Vegan Burger Restaurant Is Coming to Austin |url=https://austin.eater.com/2018/7/17/17580354/next-level-burger-austin-whole-foods-market-vegan-burgers |access-date=2025-05-23 |website=Eater Austin |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Russell |first=Erin |date=2018-10-05 |title=Vegan Burger Restaurant Opens in Whole Foods Market Very Soon |url=https://austin.eater.com/2018/10/5/17935498/next-level-burger-austin-whole-foods-market-restaurant-vegan-burgers |access-date=2025-05-23 |website=Eater Austin |language=en |archive-date=2024-03-01 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240301045319/https://austin.eater.com/2018/10/5/17935498/next-level-burger-austin-whole-foods-market-restaurant-vegan-burgers |url-status=live }}</ref>
In New York, Next Level operates in Fort Greene, Brooklyn.<ref>{{Cite web |title=5 Vegan Burger Joints to Try in NYC |url=https://vegoutmag.com/food-and-drink/vegan-burger-joints-nyc/ |access-date=2025-05-23 |website=VegOut |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Carlin |first=Shannon |date=2019-11-04 |title=The 5 Best Meatless Burgers in NYC |url=https://www.thrillist.com/eat/new-york/best-veggie-burgers-nyc-plant-based-meatless |access-date=2025-05-23 |website=Thrillist |language=en}}</ref>
In California, Next Level has operated in Concord.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Pershan |first=Caleb |date=2018-08-07 |title=Vegan Burger Chain From Oregon Arrives in Potrero This Month |url=https://sf.eater.com/2018/8/7/17661306/next-level-burger-sf-vegan-whole-foods-chain-potrero-hill |access-date=2025-05-23 |website=Eater SF |language=en}}</ref> The first location in San Francisco opened in August 2018.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Fritsche |first=Sarah |date=2018-08-22 |title=A plant-based burger chain is opening in Whole Foods San Francisco |url=https://www.sfchronicle.com/food/article/A-plant-based-burger-chain-is-opening-in-Whole-13172324.php |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230323232737/https://www.sfchronicle.com/food/article/A-plant-based-burger-chain-is-opening-in-Whole-13172324.php |archive-date=2023-03-23 |access-date=2025-05-23 |work=San Francisco Chronicle |language=en-US |url-status=live }}</ref>
Colorado's first restaurant opened in Denver in 2022.<ref>{{Cite web |last= |first= |date=2022-02-09 |title=Plant-based burger chain owner expanding to hometown of Denver |url=https://www.denverpost.com/2022/02/09/plant-based-burger-chain-owner-expanding-to-hometown-of-denver/ |access-date=2025-05-13 |website=The Denver Post |language=en-US |archive-date=2023-02-12 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230212133131/https://www.denverpost.com/2022/02/09/plant-based-burger-chain-owner-expanding-to-hometown-of-denver/ |url-status=live }}</ref>
== Reception == In a 2016 review for ''Willamette Week'', Martin Cizmar complimented the chocolate shake with a coconut milk base and the pumpkin spice shake with a soybase. He wrote that the chili cheese fries "was exactly the sort of comforting, classic junk-food dish I could imagine vegans searching out". After trying four of Next Level's six burger patty options across three visits, Cizmar said "none managed to transcend the supermarket Gardenburger". He opined, "The house's soy-based burger patty is dry and cooked cleanly, in a manner that leaves you without much to remember it by."<ref>{{Cite web |date=2016-01-23 |title=Next Level Burger Vegan Fast Food: Reviewed - Willamette Week |url=https://www.wweek.com/2016/01/19/next-level-burger-vegan-fast-food-reviewed/ |access-date=2025-05-23 |archive-date=2016-01-23 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160123020507/https://www.wweek.com/2016/01/19/next-level-burger-vegan-fast-food-reviewed/ |url-status=bot: unknown }}</ref>
== See also == {{Portal|Food|United States}} * Fast-food restaurant * List of restaurant chains in the United States * List of vegetarian and vegan restaurants
== References == {{Reflist}}
==External links== * {{Commons category-inline|Next Level Burger}}
Category:2014 establishments in the United States Category:Fast-food chains of the United States Category:Restaurants established in 2014 Category:Vegetarian restaurants in the United States