The burger landscape in North Texas just got a bit more international with the opening of The Flaming Onion, a popular New Zealand burger spot, which has chosen McKinney for its first U.S. location. The Flaming Onion, originally founded in Auckland by chef Ravi Raaj Thota, has made a name for itself with flame-grilled burgers that feature gourmet toppings like caramelized onions and jalapeños, and sauces made in-house. Its new McKinney outpost, settled at 727 N. McDonald St., brings a mix of heartiness and exotic flavors right into the Dallas area. CultureMap Dallas reported the arrival of the eatery, highlighting its excessively stacked burgers and a special menu curated for the U.S. market.

The menu options range from the Smoky One, which includes a grass-fed Angus beef patty with bacon, Swiss cheese, chipotle aioli, and bourbon BBQ sauce, to the indulgent Big Marco with its three Angus patties, American cheese, hash browns, fried chicken tenderloin, bacon, truffle maple aioli, and jalapeño relish. In addition to the burgers, which are far from budget grabs with an average price of $20, there's also a selection of sides that include regular fries, curly fries, and beer-battered onion rings. “With The Flaming Onion’s reputation drawing customers from across the country, Rav is excited to capitalize on demand and take The Flaming Onion to new heights and locations,” said a spokesperson, as per CultureMap Dallas.

Ravi Thota, the man behind the grill, brought his culinary expertise from India to New Zealand before deciding to stake his claim in the U.S. According to WFAA, Thota stated, "It’s the land of opportunity," referencing his decision to open the new location. His small food trailer operates from the parking lot of a gas station near downtown McKinney, although there are hopes to expand following the excitement generated by his offerings.

Customer feedback has been positive with individuals quickly declaring favor for The Flaming Onion's burgers. One of Thota's first customers claimed to have had “the best burger in his life,” according to an interview with WFAA. Thota credits the quality and the freshness of the ingredients, including hand-pressed meats and scratch-made condiments for the high praise. With a dedication to preparing everything fresh, The Flaming Onion aspires to keep customers returning for more of their distinct burger experience.