Burgers for a Cause: Dallas Chefs Cook for LA Fire Victims

Meet Dave Culwell, the owner of Burger Schmurger in Dallas. He's not just flipping burgers—he's flipping them for a good cause. On January 26, 2025, Culwell is hosting a special burger sale at Oak Highlands Brewery to raise funds for the victims of the devastating Los Angeles fires. The event starts at 11:30 a. m. and features Culwell alongside notable chefs like John Tesar and Josh Harmon. You might be wondering how a Dallas burger joint is connected to LA. Well, Culwell used to call Altadena home. He's seen the impact of the fires on his friends and community. "It's heartbreaking, " he says. "People have lost so much, and it's not just homes. It's memories, instruments, artwork—everything that makes a place special. "

The burger sale uses a unique donate-what-you-want system. Just toss some money in the jar, donate via Venmo, or give online to the Pasadena Education Foundation. Even better, $1 from each beer purchase at Oak Highlands will go towards the fundraiser. Burger Schmurger hasn't always been a standalone restaurant. It started as a pandemic pop-up in Culwell's backyard, a way to bring people together during tough times. Since then, it's grown, and The Dallas Morning News named Culwell's Maverick Burger the best in the city in 2023. Now, Culwell is opening his first restaurant near White Rock Lake in 2025. Why is he doing all this? "I just need to do something to help, " Culwell explains. "Even if it's from 1, 500 miles away. Altadena will always be a part of me. "

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