Michael Klein: Burger joints busting out all over

Burger mania shows no signs of abating, and the chains are pushing into the area.

This week saw the debut of BurgerMonger, in the former Ruby Tuesday's next to the carousel on the third level of Willow Grove Park mall.

The Tampa Bay-area franchise, brought north via restaurateur Brian Harrington, touts Akaushi Kobe beef (and hot dogs), all-natural chicken, Kobe beef chili for the hand-cut fries, Haagen-Dazs ice cream, and house-made breads. Challah burger rolls are slathered with a garlic butter. For dessert, they slice butter cake, add a scoop of vanilla ice cream, and drizzle on the same strawberry syrup used in shakes. It's fast-casual, so you order at the counter and grab a table. Owners promise that orders are ready in six minutes.

Tampa Bay also is the home of Burger 21, which in May opened its first New Jersey location, in Voorhees Town Center. Burger 21, also fast-casual, touts its Angus beef.

Colorado-based Smashburger, which opened a Glassboro location in February, has two more spots teed up: Radnor (tentatively opening Aug. 7 in St. Davids Square) and Maple Shade (TBA).

New York-bred Shake Shack has locations in University City and King of Prussia up for early fall.

BurgerFi - out of South Florida - has a location due for early fall at 12th and Arch Streets, in the forthcoming Home2 Suites across from Reading Terminal Market.

Umami Burger, a California chain now building a cult following to rival that of In-and-Out, says it is scouting for a location or two for Philadelphia.

Bryan Sikora (ex-Django, Talula's Table, a.kitchen) has ventured onto a corner in downtown Wilmington with La Fia Bakery Market Bistro (421 N. Market St., Wilmington, 302-543-5574). Its gourmet takeaway space just opened. On July 9, Sikora will open a light-filled cafe next door with full lunch and dinner menus of American cuisine and an international wine selection.

Quisqueya, a Dominican and Peruvian diner and BYOB, has sprung up at the former Billy G's at 12th and Callowhill Streets (345 N. 12th St., 215-366-1063) in the Loft District. Owner Rafael Francisco and his son, Lenin, also own 12th Street Food Market up the block. The Franciscos, who are Dominican, hired Peruvian chefs for something different. You get the Dominican side in the breakfasts, which include egg plates and sandwiches. Lunchtime includes $8 Peruvian plates. Dinnertime brings Peruvian entrees from chef Richard Perez, priced at or below $18, including lomo saltado (the Chifa-style stir-fry of beef and potatoes), tallarin (variations of this linguine classic), and ceviche. Hours are 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. Monday to Friday, 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. weekends.

After working for her mother, Peggy Stephens, at the Rittenhouse tea destination Premium Steap for two years, Colleen McHale has branched out to Fishtown (across from the 19125 post office) with Steap and Grind, a coffee and tea house (1619 Frankford Ave., 267-858-4427). McHale offers dozens of loose teas by the pot and cup (and at retail) as well as Gimme! Coffee, in a sleek atmosphere.

Koo Zee Doo, the Northern Liberties BYOB, will bow out July 14 after nearly four years. Husband-wife owners Carla Gonçalves and chef David Gilberg note that the lease is up, and as Gilberg says, "it's not financially viable." The couple plans to take a step back and resurface elsewhere.

The cozy/chic Marlene Mangia Bene in Woodbury has brought in Joe Polutro (ex-Mio Sogno, Rare Steakhouse) as chef. Lighter food, lighter prices.

Chef Philippe Chin has left Philippe Chin French-Asian Bistro at 800 Bay Ave. in Somers Point. (The spot seems to have a revolving door for chefs.) Chin says he is bound for Hawaii.

Marcie Turney and Valerie Safran are firming the timelines for the renovation of Lolita (106 S. 13th St.) and the opening of their trattoria Little Nonna's (1234 Locust St.). Lolita will close Aug. 3 for about two months. Little Nonna's is due to open in late July or early August.