MOOYAH Burgers, Fries & Shakes In Jackson Square Is Open

JAMAICA PLAIN, MA — In case you missed it, there's a new burger joint in town. MOOYAH Burgers, Fries & Shakes is not from around here, but it's settling into its spot across from the Jackson Square T on Centre Street. And after three months on the corner there, they're hosting a three-day grand opening event Friday and Saturday.

• Friday: Free 1/4lb build your own burger w/ any purchase of $10 or more

• Saturday: Free Personal Fries w/ any purchase

• Sunday: Free Little MOO Shake w/ any purchase

They are also donating 10 percent of the weekend’s sales to the folks at Urban Edge as they are building the Jackson Square Recreations Center.

MooYah is part of a restaurant chain headquartered in Plano, Texas where they got their start in 2007.

"Citizens celebrated in the streets, maidens danced around maypoles, dogs hugged cats and angels sang ‘80s songs. At least that’s how we remember it," reads their website, which is laced with humor.

The chain reached over 100 locations in 20 U.S. states and nine countries in 2016. And, per their apt name, they specialize in burgers, fries and, you guessed it, shakes. No, this isn't exactly a vegetarian paradise, but they could give Wendy's a run for it's money when it comes to fries and Frosties, er, shakes.

But if you are a vegetarian and you're looking for a veggieburger the main one you'll see is the Avocado Ranch Black Bean Burger which runs $7.95 ( and 650 calories). It's made up of a MorningStar Farms Black Bean patty (the only patty here that comes frozen according to the folks who work here), avocado, Pepper Jack, lettuce, tomato, ranch, on a non-GMO multigrain Bun baked on the location. The avocado was fresh, the lettuce crispy.

If you're looking for less bun, there's The Farmer's Favorite (395 calories) which a MorningStar Farms Black Bean burger, with Swiss Cheese, Avocado, Tomatoes, Spicy Ranch on it wrapped in lettuce.

As for the meat options, one customer noted this was his first time at the restaurant and he'd come back though he thought the burger meat could have been bigger.

The staff were friendly and seemed to like working together and at the restaurant, which, let's face it, goes a long way.

"It's one of the best places I've worked at," said Randall Burton, assistant manager. "Guests come in and I just try to make it as pleasant as possible for them."

Manager Tony Pineda, said one of the things that sets MOOYAH (aside from the all caps name) apart from other burger joints, like Five Guys, is that the meat is certified Angus Beef.

The most popular item on the menu? The Double Diablo, they both agreed. 1/2 lb. Certified Angus Beef, Pepper Jack, Applewood smoked bacon, jalapeños, Cholula, mayo, on a potato bun.

There are mix and match options, too. And they even have salads.

Other perks: Monday through Friday from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. they have happy hour food specials.

"We are the best around. The burgers are fresh never frozen. And that's what makes us stand out," said Burton.

Photos by Jenna Fisher/Patch