Story by Matthew Carroll
Photos by Brian Bradley
When walking up to The Saucy Burger, the vibrant yellow line running along the bottom of cart immediately catches the hungry customer’s eye. There’s no sign of greasy hot dogs or lukewarm patties. A friendly hello makes the customer feel welcome, almost as if the server is happy to be working.
Started by friends Adam Hoefler and Curtis Burwell in 2010, The Saucy Burger is redefining the quality of food carts. The idea for the stand started out as a burger tradition between the two friends; Hoefler would make burgers for Curtis when they hung out. One day, Burwell told Hoefler he should start selling burgers with his special sauce.
“The sauce came first and everything followed,” Hoefler says. “I actually didn’t perfect the sauce until a month before opening.”
With a menu of hamburgers, hot dogs, chili dogs, and chili, The Saucy Burger mainly caters to business people downtown, but the cart’s following is steadily growing. Currently, Hoefler and Burwell have two carts. One located on 8th and Olive; the other, outside The District at 13th and Oak to catch the late night crowd. Hoefler and Burwell hope to move both carts closer to campus to reach their target audience of students, but competition is stiff and spots are scarce.
In a few years, Hoefler and Burwell want to expand The Saucy Burger to a restaurant, ultimately with locations across the country. Until then, the duo’s concentration is on selling burgers in Eugene. Regardless of what happens, The Saucy Burger will hold a place in Eugene with their delicious menu.
 
 
 

Gallery • 4 Photos

That’s One Saucy Burger!