New Competitor Enters Inland Empire's Burger Race

Claremont and Redlands may be separated by 30 miles, but they share at least a couple things in common.

Both towns appreciate their history and a good burger. And each has a number of locally-owned eateries that specialize in the dish.

So who would challenge these towns for specialty burger supremacy? How about Rancho Cucamonga?

On Sunday Patch editors spotted a “coming soon” sign for Slater's 50/50 Burgers by Design at retail giant Victoria Gardens, 8009 Day Creek Road. The retail center is heavy with chains and specialty bars like Cheesecake Factory, California Pizza Kitchen and Toby Keith’s I Love This Bar and Grill.

So who are these new guys?

According to their website:

Slater’s 50/50 was founded in 2009 in Anaheim Hills, by Scott Slater. Teaming up with Executive Chef Brad Lyons, they created the world’s first 50/50 Burger – 50 percent ground bacon and 50 percent ground beef – taking the Southern California restaurant scene by storm.

In 2011, the second Slater’s 50/50 opened in Huntington Beach followed quickly by the San Diego location. Since opening, Slater’s 50/50 has won a number of awards and accolades including “Best Burger” by The Orange County Register, OC Weekly and FOX 5 San Diego as well as “Best New Restaurant” by San Diego Magazine.

Half bacon? Half beef? There’s a concept.

Why is this significant? Not that it will have a major impact but the eatery promotes an alluring new concept. And Cucamonga is almost exactly between the Patch towns of Redlands and Claremont. Both of these towns have typically been attractive to individually-owned restaurants or smaller chains like Eurka Burger and Rounds Premium Burgers thanks to downtowns nurtured by the city and community.

Slater’s currently operates a total of five restaurants throughout Southern California.

Score one for Rancho Cucamonga. Slater’s has set up shop not far from Shakey’s Pizza and pastrami master’s The Hat along Day Creek Road. A side note, Claremont neighbor Upland is home to The Hat as well.

Slater’s is scheduled to open on July 1. For more information on Slater's 50/50 Burgers by Design check out their website.