When Angus Jack opened last year, owners Ian and Jean Cairns wanted to bring a better burger experience to Northwest Arkansas.
The Cairns created a menu with signature and customizable options that are prepared to order. As a result, the locally owned and operated business achieved a solid reputation for their fresh-cut French fries and 100 percent Angus beef burgers.
A drive-thru window and regular promotions gained the attention and support of the region. One of the most remarkable distinctions between Angus Jack and other burger joints, however, is their dedication to gluten-free menu items.
Gluten-free orders are popular with customers, and the staff is excited to fill a void with delicious options, Ian Cairns said. Beyond the local buzz, Angus Jack is also highly rated and favorably reviewed on glutenfreetravelsite.com/Angus-Jack/26/3762.php.
Gluten-free requests are carefully prepared on a separate counter and in toasters and fryers. By using rice flour, the owners and staff can offer menu items that usually aren't gluten free.
The gluten-free options include burgers, fries, grilled cheese, a B.L.T. sandwich and grilled or fried chicken. Their signature Jack Frost beverage with shaved ice also provides a gluten-free option.
Many new customers have stopped by to give Angus Jack a try on Wednesdays after 5 p.m. for the half-off burger promotion. Recently, a daily special offering a single-patty burger with fries and a drink has been offered for $6.
Starting in December, the promotion will be amped up to offer a burger with two Angus beef patties with American cheese served on a brioche bun. The $8 burger promotion will also include a side of fresh-cut fries, soft drink and a choice of sauce and toppings for the burger.
Free toppings include fresh-sliced tomato, leaf lettuce, raw onions, grilled onions or pickles. Free sauces include mayonnaise, mustard, ketchup, honey mustard, barbecue sauce or AJ's signature sauce.
Customers can "Jack It Up" by adding any of the following for 99 cents each: applewood smoked bacon, onions strings, grilled mushrooms, fried pickles, pico de gallo, a pineapple ring, blue cheese crumbles, a fried egg and fresh or grilled jalapenos.
Beyond the signature burgers, Angus Jack serves a B.L.T., fish and chips, chicken sandwiches and a few other specialties.
The Ultimate Grilled Cheese lives up to its name with grilled Texas toast piled high with four different cheeses, then breaded and deep fried to golden brown. Guests can Jack It Up a number of options include an Angus beef patty or applewood-smoked bacon.
The fish and chips is crispy haddock fillets fried golden and served with fresh-cut fries, tartar sauce and lemon wedges.
The Jumpin Jack offers a choice of grilled or hand-breaded fried chicken topped with melted asiago cheese, a spicy chili sauce, fresh tomatoes and lettuce.
The Jose marries a burger and quesadilla with two Angus beef patties cradled between flour tortillas, smothered with Colby Jack cheese and house-made pico de gallo. The kick from the fresh jalapenos in the pico is smoothed out by a side of signature Jack sauce.
There is only one place to get Angus Jack -- on U.S. 412 in Springdale east of Gutensohn Road. The opportunity for another location is a definite possibility, Cairns said.
"We are looking to expand into the Rogers and Bentonville area, in particular," he said.
Franchise opportunities are also available and more information is available at angusjack.com/franchise.html.
Angus Jack is open 11 a.m.-9 p.m. daily.
NAN Dining Guide Cover on 11/28/2014