Bud's Giant Burgers Remains a Vallejo Staple

The longstanding Sonoma Boulevard restaurant continues to serve fresh-ground patties and hand-cut fries.

Updated on Oct. 28, 2026 in Openings & Closings

Bud's Giant Burgers Remains a Vallejo Staple

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Do you prefer that local restaurants maintain traditional menus or accommodate modern dietary requests?

Bud's Giant Burgers operates on Sonoma Boulevard in Vallejo, maintaining a business presence that spans 53 years. Founded by Albert Bud Hanley in 1973, the eatery is known for its fresh-ground burger patties and hand-cut russet Burbank potato fries.

Why it matters

The restaurant represents a significant piece of local culinary history after overcoming a destructive 1996 fire. Its continued operation highlights a commitment to traditional preparation methods in the local community.

Owners Steven Blankenship and Jennifer Gladstone invested $30,000 in repair funds to reopen the restaurant, with Blankenship contributing $15,000 and Gladstone borrowing the remaining $15,000. Blankenship has now dedicated 35 years of service to the location.

The players

Albert Bud Hanley

He is the founder who established the restaurant in 1973.

Steven Blankenship

He is a current owner who has worked at the restaurant for 35 years.

Jennifer Gladstone

She is a co-owner who partnered with Blankenship to reopen the establishment following the 1996 fire.

The details

The restaurant maintains a consistent menu centered on high-quality ingredients, with staff grinding burger patties fresh every morning. Fries are prepared on the premises, where employees hand-cut russet Burbank potatoes for every batch served.

Albert Bud Hanley founded the restaurant in 1973.
The restaurant was destroyed by fire in 1996.
The restaurant reopened after repairs in 1997.
The business is open Monday through Saturday from 10:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.
The restaurant is open Sunday from 11 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.

Market Landscape

The 1996 Vallejo building fire serves as a foundational pivot point for the business, marking a clear division between its early origin and its modern era. The restaurant's survival reflects a broader trend of independent eateries maintaining market share through long-term owner investment.

Customers can visit the Sonoma Boulevard location during its standard weekly operating hours for freshly prepared menu items. The investment by local owners ensures the restaurant remains an active dining option for the community.

The takeaway

Maintaining traditional, labor-intensive food preparation methods like hand-cutting fries and grinding fresh meat requires significant dedication from owners. Small businesses often rely on deep personal investments to navigate major crises and sustain operations for decades.