A bite into a well-crafted cheeseburger can turn a day around, and for burger lovers in Decatur, there is a new place slinging out smiles in a wrapper.
Smileys Burger Club has been offering good vibes and taste-bud-pleasing beef in its new brick-and-mortar spot on E. Howard Ave this summer. The burgers really are that good, evidenced by the long lines, early sellouts, and Atlanta foodie influencers flocking to the tiny hole-in-the-wall - even though Smileys doesn’t officially open until October.
Smileys Burger Club isn’t just another Atlanta burger spot, though. It’s a joyful throwback to the golden age of the burger at American diners and dives when simplicity reigned supreme. This unassuming little spot has quickly become a local treasure, and its story is as delightful as its name implies.
The 1950s nostalgia is palpable, with old rock ‘n’ roll and early R&B tunes traveling within earshot of the outdoor establishment. And don’t forget about the friendly smiley-face mascot beaming from every corner. “If you had to sum it up, we want the culture to be that of fun and lightheartedness,” the founder explains.
This throwback vibe isn’t just for show—it’s a carefully crafted experience designed to make every visitor feel like they have found a place they can make themselves right at home.
Rooted in simplicity, both in operations and offerings, Smileys has grown into something bigger than Owner Ean Camperlengo imagined when they were first brainstorming. While the team behind Smileys was busy building their fried chicken restaurant, Mothers Best–another pop-up quick food service that has anchored its home in Decatur–they found themselves craving a different culinary challenge. “Honestly, the idea came out of necessity,” says the founder, reflecting on the birth of the concept. “We were about to fry chicken for a long time,” says Camperlengo, pausing. “We thought, let’s do something different.”
And so, Smileys Burger Club was born.
“The name was meant to invoke a feeling of belonging. Hence, the club,” says Camperlengo. “But also, you can't say Smileys without smiling.”
Smileys Burger Club takes a refreshingly different approach to many of its burger-flipping peers, who offer expanded menus and flavor fusions. There is no trick. No ball underneath the cup. “It’s a true-to-itself burger joint,” Camperlengo says. “We have one burger. That’s all we do. If you like this type of burger, you’ll love us because this is all we do.”
This singular focus allows Smileys to perfect every element of its menu. Each ingredient is meticulously chosen and prepared in a way that has been perfected through trial and error—consistent as it is simple. “The most important thing for this concept was to simplify the offerings,” Camperlengo explains. “Burgers and fries work—don’t mess with it too much. Keep it simple, stupid.”
But don’t let the “plainness” fool you—Smileys Burger Club is committed to top-notch quality. They receive their ingredients from a trusted purveyor in Houston, which ensures that every burger that leaves their kitchen is made with care. “I source all our highest quality ingredients through their app—using a local salesman with a local family,” Camperlengo notes.
From the moment Smileys opened its window on a limited basis on July 20, the Decatur community embraced it with open arms. The decision to move from a pop-up at various places around the city–including Sceptre Brewing Arts in Oakhurst and the beer garden at Brick Store–to a permanent location was driven by a desire to create a lasting gathering place, and the response has been nothing short of overwhelming. “This spot has always been such a cool little shack, and I think it has seen a few great operations already,” Camperlengo muses. “When the idea became more real, and the numbers added up, [this spot] was a match waiting for us!”
Regulars have already become a fixture at Smileys, with families strolling in for a quick bite, friends catching up over burgers and fries, and even three generations of a family dining together at the outdoor tables. “People have shown up! And continue to show up,” Camperlengo says with genuine gratitude. “We’re super stoked to piggyback on the community vibe that’s already been created here in Decatur.”
Launching Smileys wasn’t without its challenges. Balancing the opening of another restaurant, welcoming a new baby just two weeks after launch, and trying to keep up with the unexpected demand, the team had their hands full. “I’d say the biggest challenge is really just trying to keep up with the response and demand!” Camperlengo admits. “We are literally bursting at the seams and exceeding all expectations for the space itself.”
As Smileys Burger Club continues to carve out its niche in Decatur, there’s always room for new ideas. When asked about the future of the business, Camperlengo pulls out a classic reference to the animated comedy “Futurama.” “Smileys Burger Club is on the move. For this hip, young BURGER company, tomorrow is today and today is yesterday. You heard me. Smileys Burger Club: Limitless potential, boundless horizons, the unstoppable juggernaut of the corporate universe.”
The universe may have to wait, but for now, there will be no shortage of smiles being dished out by this most welcome addition to the city.
“I think if you had to sum it up, we want the culture to be that of fun and lightheartedness.”
“It’s a true to itself burger joint…That’s what we do.”