I’ve always thought of What’s Up Dunwoody as a positive voice for the community, and a platform where local stories, businesses, and personalities come to life. That’s why it was a true honor in December 2019, when Billy Kramer chose our podcast as the platform to announce the opening of NFA Burger. In a world where major announcements often go to larger publications or national outlets, Billy’s decision to come to us first speaks volumes about his deep connection to Dunwoody and his trust in our ability to reach the heart of this community.
Billy’s choice wasn’t just a business decision; it was a reflection of his commitment to the people of Dunwoody, a place he has called home for over 20 years. “I’d rather talk to you guys first, quite frankly, because I know you guys care about Dunwoody and want to see it grow,” Billy shared during the episode. His words resonate with the essence of what What’s Up Dunwoody stands for—a platform by the community, for the community. Through our podcast, we’ve had the privilege of sharing many stories like Billy’s, but we had NO IDEA how famous this man’s burgers would become.
The Power of Social Media in Building Connections
When Billy first started his Instagram page, @BillysBurgers, he wasn’t aiming to become a restaurant owner. Dude just loved burgers. He traveled a lot for work, so he would find a good burger in every city he visited. Then he’d take a picture of it. He also had a desire to stay connected with his children, who were growing up in a world dominated by social media.
Billy used Instagram to document his burger adventures, but also to build a network of like-minded individuals and industry experts. He shared photos, reviews, and insights, gradually amassing a following of near 30,000 people. This following wasn’t just about numbers—it was about connections. Billy’s Instagram page became a hub for burger enthusiasts, and through it, he connected with renowned burger masters across the country. As he put it during our interview, “Through @BillysBurgers, I’ve met a lot of good people. A lot of these good people I met are legitimate burger experts who I’ve picked their brains about… things like how to keep the grill clean when you’re cooking at scale. And these guys will all help me.”
These connections weren’t just casual conversations—they were mentorships. From New York to Los Angeles, Toronto to San Francisco, Billy’s network of burger experts provided him with the knowledge and confidence he needed to take his passion to the next level. This community of experts played a pivotal role in his development as a burger chef, ultimately helping him turn a social media hobby into an empire.
Why Billy Chose the Smash Burger
One of the most defining aspects of NFA Burger is its dedication to the smash burger technique. But why did Billy choose this particular style of burger? The answer lies in both its simplicity and its ability to deliver consistent results—a crucial factor for anyone looking to build a reputation on quality. Consistency came up many times throughout the podcast. Billy wants every customer to get the same burger. His burger.
The smash burger is a straightforward concept: a ball of ground beef is placed on a hot griddle and then smashed down with a spatula, searing the meat instantly and locking in the flavors. The result is a burger that is crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside, and packed with flavor. Billy explained the technique during our conversation, saying, “I researched the smash burger, and if you do it, you can do it the same every time. There’s no like medium rare and somebody is going to get mad that it’s medium well. It’s always the same.”
The smash burger offers a level of reliability that few other burger styles can match. By focusing on this technique, Billy ensures that every customer at NFA Burger receives a product that meets his high standards, time after time. This dedication to consistency has helped NFA Burger earn all their accolades and awards.
Challenges of Starting a Restaurant: Lessons from the First Pop-Up
Starting a new venture is never easy, and Billy Kramer’s journey was no exception. During our podcast, Billy candidly shared the challenges he faced, especially during his first pop-up event at nearby Battle and Brew in Sandy Springs. What was intended to be a showcase of his burger skills turned into what Billy describes as a “glorious disaster.”
Because of his Instagram following, the event drew a large crowd. This was the day that his followers would finally meet Billy’s Burger. Folks lined up, but there was a problem. The grilling equipment wasn’t built to make his smash burger. Billy quickly learned that placing cold meat on a regular grill can cause the temperature to drop significantly, preventing the burgers from achieving the golden sear that makes a smash burger so delicious. “Twenty minutes in, we had fifty orders. It was a complete disaster,” Billy recalled on the podcast. “We just kept pushing inferior food out the window to make ticket times lower, but I knew within five minutes of researching grills, it was a solvable problem.”
Despite the challenges, Billy didn’t let this experience discourage him. Instead, he used it as a learning opportunity, refining his techniques and ensuring that every future burger met his exacting standards. This determination to get it right, even in the face of setbacks, is a testament to Billy’s commitment to quality—a commitment that has been integral to the success of NFA Burger.
Choosing the Right Location: A Gas Station in Dunwoody?
One of the most unconventional aspects of NFA Burger is its location inside a Chevron gas station on Chamblee-Dunwoody Road. At first glance, this might seem like an odd choice for a restaurant, especially one that has garnered such acclaim. However, during our podcast interview, Billy explained that for him, this decision was about more than just finding a place to cook burgers—it was about staying true to his roots.
Billy has lived in Dunwoody for over 20 years, and his ties to the community run deep. His children attend school in the area, and his wife teaches nearby. For Billy, Dunwoody isn’t just a place to do business—it’s home. “This is my home. Like this is my trade area. And this is my network and my family,” Billy shared with us. His decision to set up shop in Dunwoody, even in such an unconventional location, was a reflection of his love for the community and his desire to contribute to its local flavor.
The choice of location also aligns with Billy’s desire to keep things simple and focused. The Chevron gas station offered a small, manageable space where he could concentrate on perfecting his craft without the distractions and complications that often come with larger restaurant spaces. This decision to start small and grow organically has allowed Billy to maintain control over every aspect of his business, ensuring that NFA Burger remains true to its founding principles—a story we’re proud to continue telling on What’s Up Dunwoody.
Why Dunwoody Is the Perfect Place to Call Home
Billy Kramer’s journey with NFA Burger is a shining example of what makes Dunwoody such a special place to live. It’s a community that values quality, supports local businesses, and fosters a strong sense of connection among its residents. Whether you’re moving to Dunwoody for the excellent schools, the vibrant local culture, or the welcoming neighborhoods, you’ll find a community that feels like home.
If you’re considering making Dunwoody your new home, you’re not just choosing a place to live—you’re choosing a place to thrive. As a local REALTOR®, I’m here to help you find the perfect home in this incredible community. Whether you’re interested in learning more about the area or ready to start your home search, I’m here to guide you every step of the way. And don’t forget to tune in to What’s Up Dunwoody for more stories like Billy’s, because in Dunwoody, every day is a new opportunity to experience something special.
