Burger enthusiasts in Atascocita can now savor a slice of Texas culinary history. Burger Fresh & More, a beloved Conroe institution since 1997, has opened a new location, bringing with it the same old-fashioned burgers, 16 flavors of Blue Bell ice cream and nostalgic 1950s ambiance that have made it a favorite for decades.
“We’re excited to establish a flagship location in this thriving area and to start serving old-fashioned burgers along with the myriad of other menu items we offer,” says James Canada, owner of Burger Fresh.
The original restaurant was founded by Jay Lehman, who ran it until retirement. After his passing in 2019, the legacy continued under Scott Levantino and then under Canada—a veteran, proud Texas A&M Aggie and 1966 graduate of Conroe High School. Canada has been in the restaurant business since 1982 and has deep family ties to the area.
His grandfather moved to Conroe in 1935 and opened a grocery store and ice cream parlor. Canada continued that tradition, owning several Conroe businesses including Canada’s Dairy Kastle, Conroe Lunchbox and Main Street Diner. But Burger Fresh, he says, has been the most fun.
“When I took over the Conroe location, I didn’t just want to serve burgers—I wanted to create an experience,” Canada says . “I started using fresh meats, updated the menu and filled the place with nostalgic décor that takes you back to a simpler time.”
That immersive feel is one of Burger Fresh’s biggest draws. Guests are greeted by a life-sized Betty Boop, antique bicycles hanging from the ceiling and walls adorned with vintage memorabilia—from Coca-Cola trays to classic diner signs. Slide into a padded booth and you might hear “The Twist” or “Surfin’ USA” playing in the background, instantly transporting you to the golden age of jukeboxes and chrome counters.
When COVID-19 hit, the restaurant pivoted. With dine-in shut down, Burger Fresh launched a pick up option of family-style casseroles like spaghetti and chicken spaghetti to keep things running. That slower period also sparked creativity.
“When we were sitting around during the day waiting, we would brainstorm new burger ideas,” says Karen Swearingen, general manager of the Conroe location and now a partner in the Atascocita location. “When we opened back up, we tried out different combinations and the chili con queso, ultimate beef and Cheeto burger made it onto the menu permanently.”
Swearingen joined the Conroe location in 2019 as a part-time cashier. After the COVID shutdowns, Canada recognized her leadership potential and asked her to step into a management role. Around the same time, her daughter, then in college, encouraged her to join a playful “sign war” between local restaurants in Conroe. “My daughter said, ‘Mom, this is free marketing! You have to do it,’” Swearingen recalls. The team’s clever message—“Pedros, Lubos & Steakhouse – like a good neighbor, stay over there! Love you, Burger Fresh XOXO”—went viral overnight.
“We made the news. Facebook blew up. The next day, the line wrapped around the building,” Swearingen says .
By spring 2023, demand had grown so much Canada doubled the size of the Conroe location—expanding into the space next door. Now, they’ve brought that same energy to Atascocita.
The new location is open for lunch and dinner with plans to serve breakfast and offer a drive-thru. In addition to signature burgers, the menu includes po' boys, hot sandwiches, baskets, salads, hot dogs, loaded fries and hand-spun shakes. Canada’s favorite burger? A stack with mayo, mustard, bacon, avocado, pepper jack cheese, grilled onions and peppers, lettuce, tomato and pickle—all served on a sourdough jalapeño bun.
Burger Fresh is located at 12235 Will Clayton Pkwy across from the neighborhood Wal-Mart.
“We didn’t just want to sell burgers—we wanted to give an experience.”