M.A. Burger & Shakes Company offers healthier options

Paul Marrin knew the South Elgin area was in need of a good burger spot.

But he didn't know just how popular the new M.A. Burger and Shakes Company would be along the Randall Road corridor.

The restaurant, 322 Randall Road, opened at the end of October. Right away, he said, the business, which boasts healthier burgers in a family-friendly atmosphere, surpassed what owners expected.

“I don't think we really knew how much they would come out. We had to order two times as much as what we expected in the beginning,” Marrin said.

“We think the area needed something like this. It's a new concept we brought to the table in the area and we hope people will enjoy it,” he said.

While, yes, it is burgers, he said they are made healthier and available for everyone — even vegetarians.

The meat is hormone and antibiotic free, and is grass fed and 100 percent Angus, Marrin said.

“People are trying to eat better, and even though it's a burger, there are healthier ways to make it,” he said “We think this really appeals to people.”

In addition to the beef burgers, the restaurant hand-cuts its fries and hand batters its onion rings, he said. It also serves truffle fries in addition to its burgers and shakes. The shakes are giant creations with different themes such as marshmallow cake and Nutella.

The vegan and vegetarian options are crafted in the restaurant, Martin said. There also is a gluten-free option where you can get their burger “green style,” meaning it is wrapped in a lettuce bun.

Martin said the lunch crowd at the fast casual restaurant has been great, and he sees many families dining in for dinner. He added that the restaurant gives them healthy and tasty options that are better than fast food, but the price is better than a sit-down restaurant.

Since it opened, he said, many people have returned and it has become their place to go for a meal.

“We are just really happy to be here in the area,” he said.

While this is the first M.A. Burger, Marrin said people shouldn't be surprised to see more pop up. They are hoping to grow the concept an expand to other areas, he said.

• Amy Williams' column covers all the news of business along the Randall Road corridor from Batavia to Crystal Lake. Contact her at randallbiz@comcast.net or (847) 894-5036.