LIFESTYLE

Mooyah Burgers, Fries & Shakes makes it way to Gonzales

Brandie Richardson @B_Lifestyles
L to R: P & E General Contractor's Doug Collins and Owners Ryan Barch and Chad Calonge.

     GONZALES – A new hamburger joint is making its way to Gonzales this month, adding more competition to the booming restaurant scene. The new restaurant, Mooyah Burgers, Fries & Shakes, features a build-your-own burger concept, where you pick what bun, meat and extras you want it topped with. 

     The Texas franchise was brought to Ascension Parish by businessmen Chad Calonge and Ryan Brach. They are not newcomers to the Parish or the franchise business, as they own five Rotolo's Pizzerias, two of which reside in Ascension Parish. Calonge said they decided to venture into the burger business as they saw an opportunity to make another successful business in Gonzales.

     “We felt like there was a void in the market,” Calonge said. “There is to my knowledge no better burger place, which is the category Mooyah falls in. It is a fast causal better burger market and we see that there isn’t that concept in Ascension Parish. We have our Rotolo's there that do well and felt like it would be a big hit to bring it to Ascension.”

     Calonge, who lives in St. Charles Parish, and Brach, who lives in East Baton Rouge Parish, chose to continue business in Ascension due to their love for the community and the people. 

     “We have been doing business in Ascension Parish for six and a half years and we really love Ascension Parish,” Calonge said. “The business here has been good. The people are great. Our corporate office is located here. It’s a great community and we have had great success in this area and the people have been great to us. We have been as active as we could in the community. The local governments are very business friendly also. It's a good place to be in business.”

     Calonge added that they are still looking for dedicated employees to work at the new restaurant. Anyone interested in applying can do so directly through a link on their Facebook page, MOOYAH Burgers, Fries & Shakes-Gonzales. 

     Mooyah will be open for business starting Dec. 14 at 11 a.m. The first 500 customers will receive a 32 oz. reusable cup that can be brought in at anytime for a $1 refill on any soft drink. Mooyah Burgers, Fries & Shakes is located at 2706 S. Cabelas Parkway.