Maria and I met in second grade of our elementary school in what was then Czechoslovakia.  The journey that followed has been beyond interesting but, keeping things page-long, we ended up cooking some really interesting Central European comfort food, having three kids and opening five restaurants in New York City. 

Over the years, we were always drawn to the culture, values and agricultural riches of Central New Jersey.  We were enthralled by the history and charm of the towns near the Delaware river.  Honestly, they also reminded us of our original home.  Communities with actual downtowns and people saying hello felt closer to the place we came from than the hustle of the big city we also love.

Our kids grew up eating the Korzo Burgers in Park Slope, Brooklyn.   These are the ones we wrap in Hungarian rising dough and deep fry and yes, they are the crazy burgers that won awards for The Best Burger In NYC during multiple years and were featured on The Food Network, The Travel Channel and many other features, from South Korea to Germany, Danube to Delaware.  The video in which Maria shows Iron Chef America Michael Symon how to make one has a couple of hundred million views.

Responding to our family’s teenage demands, but really, hoping to bring some of the same magic to the community in which we live, we make the same burgers here, in Hopewell.  

We realize that “sourcing” is the ubiquitous word of the day, but the concept is actually quite simple for us.  To have any real control over bringing good ingredients into the restaurant, we knew that we had to be a part of the entire process. The vegetables that make up our vegan burgers do not travel across the country, so you can taste them in the burger. On our farm, we also grow the alfalfa for the beef that is humanely raised by our fellow farmer. We believe you will appreciate the difference.

In house, our pickles, ketchup, mustard, shakes and sodas are rich in flavor because they are made in our shop.  

Our kitchen is open, literally, and we are making these burgers with the same excitement we’ve always had about well-crafted comfort food.  There are also a few not-burger surprises. We hope you come in and say hello.

- Otto & Maria Zizak