Caliburger is a burger joint from South California and they’re officially opening up this Wednesday at Miral Complex. I’m going to sound like a broken record but I have no clue why people think it still makes sense to open more burger joints. Anyway for more information checkout their instagram account @caliburgerkw
27 replies on “Caliburger Officially Opening on Wednesday”
because no matter how many burger places there already are, and no matter how many good burgers there already are, people are always on the hunt for a better one. Its a never ending quest that I thought would end when elevation burger opened since it really is one of the best burgers in the world but every time a new place opens, I have to try it at least once….
I tried Brothers burgers in Mubarakia (the hip side) and it was pretty good!
Burger joints have become accessories for people who have the money to start something but they don’t know what to do.
Keep them coming!
I ate at the one on the coastal road in Jumeriah, Dubai and it is a scene – very crowded and popular, but with this location, I’m not sure want sort of ‘scene’ there will be if there are ‘scenes’ in Kuwait? That area is gross, they would have been better off locating this north. What I think will happen is not a scene, but a bunch of delivery men delivering Caliburgers to northern locations. Location location location – get it right, Kuwait.
I just whatsapp young Kuwaitis and they commented as
“Eww, worse place to put it!” “Weird” at the location.
I disagree. I don’t think the young Kuwaiti crowd is the primary target market here for this particular spot. I’m not sure what the actual Miral Complex looks like so I can’t really judge. But, the location is in close proximity to Mahboula and Fintas, which is home to a lot of expats. Almost all my friends live in that area and I also know for certain they will want to try a new burger spot. But, yes. I think I agree on the delivery part. I doubt it will become a “scene” per say but I do think they’ve chosen their location well in terms of sales potential. Also, renting a spot in North Kuwait costs a hell of a lot more. They’ll probably open one in that area for the young Kuwaiti crowd if this one is successful.
I doubt this place will appeal to your friends in Mahboula/Fintas because more than likely these expats who more than likely working on Camp Arifjan and they want a big ol’ burger and what is nice about Caliburger is that they are small burgers – Cali portions. They are not served like the picture above and you have a choice of grilled onions or uncooked onions on it. The decor of the resturant is fun tropical Cali decor with TV’s playing Cali music/alternative videos – it’s a fun atmosphere. It definately caters to a young 20 something crowd and this crowd is north, so this location, especially after reading crazyinkuwait’s location description was a poor choice. Also a key factor in their success will be in their staff.
they aren’t working in Arifjan, a huge portion of them are teachers. a lot of buildings in those areas have been rented out to expat teachers and they usually take out/have it delivered, even when places like Smash Burger and Elevation are in close proximity.
Uh have you been in Kuwait or do you just post stuff about it on blogs
WTF dude? it’s not marketed toward “young kuwaitis”
expats live down south in mangaf/bo-halifa, and most kuwaitis (those who can drive) won’t mind driving for 30 minutes for a restaurant. if anything its a change from what we have, and its great that its far down south… for… reasons……
It must have opened since I moved to Kuwait and it seems as if it’s a knock off of In-N-Out burger without the Christian theme to it. I visited Miral Complex and although it was nice there are 10 different coffee shops and it’s a totally open area. I don’t know how it will be in the blazing summer, dust storms and rain since the restaurants are not enclosed.
And of course the parking is horrible, be careful if you park in the lot on the right side as there is no way to get out and you will have to back up or try to make a U-turn to get out.
There are a lot of city kids who hide out in the area with their secret bf/gf. I tried Steak N Shake as well, it tasted like Smashburger.
Burger concepts are a globally growing phenomenon, but the best burger can be judged only on a few basic, but important factors; ground meat (usually beef), seasoning (usually 50/50 Salt and Pepper mix), toppings and bun. There are many ways to build a great burger, but those factors are the foundation to any solid success.
The history of the hamburger or burger as they are known to our generation are disputed, but historically you can say they were invented or evolved in the USA. The Dallas based McDonald’s Corporation took the burger business global to the masses in the 80’s which is where most of your inductions came to fruition. Now a days there has been a new era focusing on the quality and branding of burger joints. Bringing to the table all-natural quality products to a growing number of matured palates.
It has come time for the burger fanatics to judge who makes the best burger this side of the Eastern Hemisphere. Whether locally crafted or another cookie cut concept which are all pretty much the same. Removing the location, design, branding I would say there isn’t one establishment (burger joint or not) with a great burger. Nothing has blown my socks off as of yet in Kuwait or the GCC for that matter.
Keeping in mind the basic foundation of a better burger, gauging the build on quality alone, what do you think is the best burger in town and why?
This is the closest you’re going to get to trying In ‘N Out. Personally, this may be a game changer.
Only if they can give me an “animal style” burger and if their fries can compare, then yes it may be worth something.
In n Out isn’t that great, it’s just good for the price you’re paying. In terms of quality Kuwait has better burgers already
They don’t even have a branch open here in California let alone the entire US. They even had a lawsuit filed against them by In-N-Out Burger. And to top it off, they don’t even use American beef. Caliburger my ass.
In’N’ Out is probably the one of best QSR (Quick Service Restaurant) style burgers one can get. Again, removing the branding and celebrity factor it stands it’s ground to the competition up until you compare it UMANI burger, other Cali-Southwest based specialized fast-casual burger joints. One of In ‘N’ Out’s paradigms is to bring fresh, never frozen products to your taste-buds. Unfortunately, this is exactly why they trend slower growth expansion outside the Southwest US and why they will not be going global anytime soon. Unless, a Six-Sigma Angus Cattle as well as vegetable farm pops up tomorrow in the desert, then you can expect the cattle to be ready in a couple years to be prepared fresh to match their philosophy. So don’t count your cattle before their butchered. Ha ha ha – I know, soooo funny.
Caliburger appears to be another cookie cut fast-casual concept. Highly doubt there is anything significant enough to set it apart from Smashburger, Shake Shack or Elevation Burger who already dominate the market. Soon other major cookie monsters will be joining the scene, both Five Guys and BGR ‘the burger joint’ will be opening this year in Kuwait. Again, nothing different and certainly nothing special.
Just more lame global brands without the world class great burgers. Anyone else hungry yet?
Shake shack ships the meat out from US farms they’ve selected
Ha! Shake Shack falls under the fast-casual segment which all offer the same meat quality, more or less. Their propriety blend is made from the top five parts of the cow. Although the product is good, it’s not great. They lost their mojo about two years ago. Same product, lower quality, higher prices, no evolution, limited menu offering, no customization, robotic staff = poor management/ownership – your pay for the brand, not the offering.
Crazy how Caliburger is a Chinese business model which brands itself Californian-originated and an In’N’Out copy. Don’t get me wrong, if you can take away the best from any brand and make it better and greater always translates for a elevated offering for the consumer. We win! Caliburger simply put was created to be a mass market cookie cutter business model to capitalize the burger joint globalization demand.
There’s a concept out of Korea (Kraze) which went big in Asia then started opening in the USA, but failed miserably. This will eventually happen to most of the burger concepts in this market with poor offerings and locations. Iraq which the local franchiser of Caliburger has as well has opportunity (low supple/high demand), but mostly for now only in Erbil. Unless you can win over the extremist groups and take your food-truck or food-tank on the road?
Smashburger already started closing down sites in Kuwait. This market does not have any more room for any cookie cutter concepts. Why can’t we adopt some more local concepts with a higher level of culinary approach?
A need is created and is being followed, end of day what you need?!! 2 morsels of food in your belly and a pillow of your arm. Don’t believe it?!! Ask someone to take a picture of you, how you sleep. Amen!
Enough Obama… Please… No more burger joints ya Obama!
No in Cali has ever heard of Caliburger, and the reason is that this is a Chinese rip off of In n Out burgers..this “caliburger” 1st location was Shanghai
Miral Complex is packed with people every night. There must be something good there besides the usual stuff: Johnny Rockets, Kababji, Costa Coffee. They have a Mongolian Grill place called Attila. There is another branch of Cocoa Cabana and other Kuwait/ Regional concepts. Just wish Slider Station would hurry up and open a branch down this way. Luckily we finally got a Magnolia Bakery!
All these burger joints popping up while we already have one of the best burgers in the world. I love me some Manhattan burger from OFK/Slider Station/Burger Boutique. Best burger EVAR. Elevation aint half bad too.
Went to Caliburger yesterday night and it wasn’t the best burger I had eaten..Meat wasn’t tasty in my opinion . Would probably go back in a few months though to see if its improved… Definitely has potential
Any business should launch with their best foot forward. Deliver their best on all fronts since the first impression is the most important. You will tell all your friends and family of the good or bad about your experience. Most likely it will not get better since it’s an existing model with very little wiggle room.
Did you ask details of their beef type and grade? Where is it from, all natural, grain or grass-fed…etc
Give BGR a try if you’re looking for a solid burger fix.