You might have been wondering what the sign that read “Tops is Expecting a New Family Member 03/21” meant at Tops Bar-B-Q locations.
Customers came in and asked, “Which one of y’all are having a baby?” says Tops Operations LLC vice president Hunter Brown.
Of course, the obvious comeback was, “We don’t know what it’s going to be. It’s going to be a surprise,” Brown says.
But signs were different March 21st, Brown says, “Today the board changes and it says, ‘The Jr. Burger Has Arrived.”
Tops already sells a succulent hamburger. So, what is the Jr. Burger? “The Jr. Burger was something that was created as a result of a couple of needs for our guests,” says Tops CEO Randy Hough. “We felt that, number one, we wanted to provide an option for guests that were looking for a little less food, but still wanted to be able to satisfy their appetite.
“And, in addition, this really provided an avenue for those who were looking for great value without sacrificing what they love and expect from a great Tops cheeseburger. The Jr. Burger is still locally sourced, grilled fresh, same great flavor and taste, and ordered with all your favorite toppings. And we paired that with the Jr. Combo, which is a side of fries and a 16-ounce drink.”
The Jr. Burger is $3.99 with cheese. The combo is $6.49 with cheese. The Jr. Burger is a two and a half ounce patty vs. the original four ounce patty. But the Jr. Burger patty is “a little bit larger than your typical junior-size burger,” Hough says.
“But it’s the exact same blend the guests have loved for 70 years plus,” Brown adds.
This is a first for the Tops hamburger as far as he knows, Hough says. “First time we’ve made a little smaller version of what everyone has come to know and love but still has a great flavor and still the same profile, which we’re really happy about. And you don’t have to change your favorite toppings.”
“Our barbecue line has two options: the pork shoulder regular or jumbo. Brisket the same way.”
Ditto for their Fire-Braised Chicken Sandwich. “It was never an option for a burger.”
Like their larger cheeseburgers, the Jr. Burger is dressed with mayonnaise, pickles, diced onion, lettuce, and tomato. “But if you just put a little ketchup and mustard on it, it’s perfect for the kids,” Hough says. “You can introduce the newest generation — the younger folks — of Mid-Southerners to the best burger in Memphis.”
