Japanese-Inspired Burger Joint Opening In OC; Freebies For First 100

ORANGE, CA — Ojai Burger — a new, Japanese-influenced restaurant offering Wagyu burgers, mochi waffles and matcha shakes — opens Saturday in Old Towne Orange. The grand opening celebration begins at 12 p.m. with live music, free burgers or sandwiches to the first 100 patrons in line, plus 50 percent off the entire menu.

The origins of Ojai Burger began after four, longtime friends — Michael Wu, Carl Tong, Kasper Hsu and Peter Yang — dined at a Yelp-five-star-ranked burger spot, Yume Japanese Burger Cafe, during an Ojai vacation in Ventura County.

Now the foursome aims to make their Orange eatery a taste combo that appeals to the American palate with the modality of Japanese cuisine, the company said.

The restaurant's Wagyu burgers feature beef patties marinated for 24 hours and served on brioche buns. Also on the menu are matcha shakes and traditional, Japanese mochi waffles available in such unique flavors as ume (purple yam), plus mochi waffle sundaes.

Among anticipated best-sellers: the Teriyaki Wagyu Burger, with Wagyu beef, Ojai teriyaki sauce, fried egg, Kewpie mayo & shredded cabbage on a brioche bun ($12.50); and Topa Topa Fries, topped with Wagyu beef, avocado, Topa Topa sauce, Kewpie mayo, crispy onion & furikake ($9.95).

Also during Ojai Burger's July 23 opening festivities, diners can spin a prize wheel for a chance to win free food on future visits, or pick up "Supporter Since Day 1" cards offering 15 percent off all orders for a year, management said.

Ojai Burger is at 238 W. Chapman Ave. in Orange. Hours are 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Sundays through Thursdays, and 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays.

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