NFA Burger owner Billy Kramer shares his journey from corporate advertising to creating Georgia’s best smash burger in the heart of Dunwoody. Known for its community-first approach, NFA has become a local icon, drawing visitors from across the country while fostering a close-knit connection with Dunwoody residents. Kramer highlights his passion for exceptional customer service, his annual Burger Benefit supporting food workers, and his plans for growth, all while staying true to Dunwoody’s unique charm.
How a Gas Station in Dunwoody Became Home to Georgia’s Best Burger
From Ad Exec to Burger King of Dunwoody
When most people dream of escaping the corporate grind, they fantasize about beaches or golf courses. Billy Kramer dreamed of burgers. Specifically, he envisioned crafting the best smash burger Georgia had ever seen. On this episode of the What’s Up Dunwoody podcast, host Matt Weber chats with Kramer about his journey from advertising executive to the mastermind behind NFA Burger, a cult favorite tucked into a Dunwoody gas station. It’s the kind of story that makes living in Dunwoody feel like being part of something special.
NFA Burger: A Gas Station Gamble That Paid Off
When Kramer decided to open NFA Burger, it wasn’t in a trendy food hall or along a bustling commercial strip. It was in a Chevron on Chamblee Dunwoody Road. Most thought he was nuts. Five years later, that decision is now the stuff of Dunwoody legend. What started as a humble operation with limited hours and a simple menu has evolved into a foodie pilgrimage site. Locals from neighborhoods like Dunwoody North and The Branches mingle with burger tourists from Boston and beyond, proving that good food knows no bounds.
Smash Burger Science and a Dash of Perfectionism
The magic behind NFA Burger isn’t just in the crispy edges of its smash patties or the simple but perfect ingredients. It’s in Kramer’s obsessive attention to detail. He tested countless combinations, invested in top-tier equipment, and honed a burger technique that’s equal parts science and soul. This dedication hasn’t gone unnoticed. NFA Burger has won awards, drawn media attention, and earned the respect of some of the country’s best chefs. It’s not just a Dunwoody secret anymore—it’s a Georgia institution.
Why NFA Burger Feels Like Home
Sure, the burgers are incredible. But what really makes NFA Burger a cornerstone of the Dunwoody experience is its heart. Kramer doesn’t hide in the back—he’s out front, chatting with customers, handing out high-fives, and making sure every meal exceeds expectations. That kind of community-first service is a big part of why people keep coming back. For anyone moving to Dunwoody or exploring things to do in Dunwoody, a stop at NFA Burger is basically mandatory.
The Burger Benefit: Serving Up More Than Food
Kramer’s not just flipping burgers. He’s flipping the script on what it means to be a local business owner. His annual Burger Benefit raises tens of thousands for The Giving Kitchen, an organization that supports food service workers in crisis. In 2024 alone, the event raised $65,000. Top chefs fly in from around the country to participate, and the event brings a festival-like energy to Dunwoody. It’s become one of the standout Dunwoody events of the year, proving that community and cuisine go hand in hand.
Customer Service with a Side of Accountability
In a world where fast food often means impersonal service, Kramer is out to change expectations. He shares a story in the episode about a customer who didn’t love her burger. Instead of brushing it off, he remade it personally. This isn’t just lip service; it’s a philosophy. Every guest matters. Every meal is a chance to build trust. That’s the kind of attention that makes people say, “This is the best burger I’ve ever had.” And for residents living in Dunwoody, it creates a sense of pride in their hometown spots.
Rooted in Dunwoody, Eyes on the Horizon
Kramer isn’t shy about growth. He’s exploring expansion but is adamant about keeping NFA Burger grounded in Dunwoody values. He’s well aware that what makes the original special isn’t just the food—it’s the atmosphere, the conversations at picnic tables, the local teachers and regulars who stop by. His wife is a long-time educator in the area, and their roots run deep. Even if new locations pop up, the spirit of Dunwoody will remain central.
Putting Dunwoody on the Food Map
Before NFA Burger, Dunwoody wasn't exactly famous for its food. Now, thanks to Kramer, it's a dot on every foodie’s radar. That kind of visibility helps boost the entire Dunwoody real estate market, drawing in families and professionals who want a vibrant, tight-knit community with real character. Dunwoody REALTOR Matt Weber notes that more and more people mention local gems like NFA Burger when talking about relocating to Dunwoody. It’s become a quality-of-life feature, right up there with parks and schools.
Hyperlocal Love: Supporting Dunwoody’s Best
Kramer doesn’t operate in a vacuum. He constantly lifts up other local restaurants, shops, and causes. Whether it’s shouting out the best restaurants in Dunwoody or collaborating with neighbors, he embodies the small-town-in-a-big-city feel that makes this place special. Communities like Village Mill and Redfield have embraced his business, showing that word-of-mouth and local loyalty still matter. NFA Burger is a hub for those who value good food and good neighbors.
For Visitors and Future Residents: Welcome to Dunwoody
Thinking about moving to Dunwoody? Start with a burger. Seriously. It tells you everything you need to know about the people, the pride, and the passion that define this community. Whether you’re browsing homes for sale in Dunwoody or just visiting for the weekend, make NFA Burger your first stop. You’ll taste the difference—and feel it too.
Final Thoughts from What’s Up Dunwoody Podcast Host Matt Weber
Every so often, a business captures the heart of a community. For Dunwoody, that business is NFA Burger. Billy Kramer is more than a chef; he’s a connector, a creator, and a community builder. His story is a reminder that passion, hard work, and a little bit of burger grease can transform not just a gas station, but an entire town.
Step One: Visit NFA Burger at the Chevron on Chamblee Dunwoody Road.
Step Two: Say hi to Billy, order the Double NFA with a side of community pride.
Step Three: Follow along with What’s Up Dunwoody for more stories that celebrate everything that makes our city great.
