Colorado-based chef-driven hamburger chain opens south of the Plaza

Chef Thomas Salamunovich created such a popular burger for the fine-dining Larkspur restaurant in Vail, Colo., that it got its own restaurant.

Eleven years later there are 14 Larkburger locations, including one that had its grand opening on Jan. 25 just south of the Country Club Plaza. The first 50 customers were given free entree cards to use on a return visit and a chance to win 52 Larkburger entree cards (for a free burger, sandwich or salad).

The 2,200-square-foot restaurant in the 4800 Main Building, at 4800 Main St., Suite 102, will seat 90 people. It has a contemporary design featuring Cypress timber and chairs made from 100 percent recycled material. It also will have a large community table and complimentary Wi-Fi.

The menu includes the Larkburger with Black Angus beef, lettuce, tomato, onion, pickle and house-made sauce; the Chicken Burger with adobo grilled chicken breast, jalapeno, lettuce, tomato, onion, fresh cilantro and chipotle sauce; the Turkey Burger with all natural seasoned turkey, lettuce, tomato, onion, pickle and house-made sauce; the Tuna Burger with grilled ahi tuna steak, lettuce, tomato, onion, fresh cilantro and wasabi-ginger dressing; and the Portabella Burger with roasted portabella mushroom, lettuce, tomato, griddled onion and house-made sauce.

It also has a B.L.T., salads, truffle and Parmesan fries, classic fries, edamame, Black Angus chili, milkshakes, fresh lemonade, beer, wine, and bottled and fountain drinks.

It will have 40 employees and is still taking applications.

Larkburger opened a location at 13611 Metcalf Ave., Overland Park, in spring 2017.

This story was originally published January 25, 2018 at 4:21 PM with the headline "Colorado-based chef-driven hamburger chain opens south of the Plaza."