Paul's Burgers and Fries Wins People's Choice Award
The downtown Mobile eatery secured the top honor during the annual Mobtown Burger Week competition.
Updated on Oct. 21, 2026 in Dining Out
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Paul's Burgers and Fries claimed the People's Choice Award in the local Mobtown Burger Week competition. The restaurant's winning entry, the Back Poarch Burger, beat out competition from 30 other participating restaurants.
Why it matters
The award recognizes the downtown Mobile eatery for its signature approach to burgers, which features a seared crust achieved by cooking on a flattop grill rather than char-broiling. This win highlights the growing impact of specialized dining spots in the city center.
The menu at the 101 N. Conception St. location includes classic burgers starting at $9 and signature fries fried in beef tallow for $4. Breakfast items like the $12.50 Protein Bowl are available from 7:30 a.m. to 10 a.m.
The players
Paul Johannesmann
He is the proprietor of Paul's Burgers and Fries who established the business in downtown Mobile.
Paul's Burgers and Fries
This downtown Mobile restaurant specializes in flattop-grilled burgers and breakfast service.
The details
Owner Paul Johannesmann produces his burgers using beef sourced from Perdido River Meats in Atmore. To ensure a consistent seared crust, the restaurant transitioned from a smoker to a specialized flattop grill, which significantly increased overall production capacity.
Timeline
Paul's Burgers and Fries opened in May 2025.
The Mobtown Burger Week competition concluded on October 11, 2026.
Culture Shift
This win reflects the broader trend of urban burger weeks that have emerged as key marketing platforms for independent restaurants. These events allow local eateries to gain visibility and community recognition through specialty, limited-time menu items.
Residents looking to try the award-winning Back Poarch Burger can visit the downtown Mobile location during regular operating hours. The menu includes diverse options ranging from $4 sides to breakfast bowls, catering to both morning and lunch crowds.
The takeaway
Supporting award-winning local businesses often leads diners to discover specialized culinary techniques like tallow frying. Consumers can enjoy these highly-rated options while contributing to the growth of independent downtown eateries.
Further reading
Learn more about the local food scene in our Mobile Dining Out section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Al.
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