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NC's Best Cheeseburger Lands in Wilmington
1 Aug
Summary
- Al's Burger Shack, named North Carolina's best cheeseburger, is opening a new location.
- The new Wilmington restaurant is slated to open early next year.
- The burger joint is known for hand-pattied burgers and locally sourced ingredients.

Al's Burger Shack, a North Carolina-based burger restaurant renowned for its award-winning cheeseburgers, is set to open a new location in Wilmington. This expansion is highly anticipated, with the restaurant aiming for an opening in early 2027. The Wilmington establishment will be situated at the new Center Point mixed-use development.
Founded in Chapel Hill, Al's Burger Shack has already garnered significant recognition. It was named the 'Best Burger in America' by TripAdvisor in 2018 and North Carolina's best by Chowhound in 2025. Most recently, the Fast Food Club awarded their cheeseburger the best in North Carolina, praising the quality of their hand-pattied burgers and commitment to locally sourced ingredients.
Co-owners Jason Kesler and Charlie Farris, who also operate a Leland location opened in 2024, are finalizing details for the Wilmington site. They emphasize the restaurant's dedication to quality, with all toppings and chili made in-house and fresh ingredients prepared daily. Signature items include the Bobo Chili Cheeseburger and specialty burgers like Sean's Bacon Cheeseburger and the Mookie.