New Optimist Hall food stall Harriet’s Hamburgers has two food items: burger and fries

Harriet’s is a joint venture between Papi Queso, Durban Hospitality, and Plaid Penguin, the local communications firm for Optimist Hall.

This is Plaid Penguin’s first venture as a food and beverage operator. And Papi Queso, the popular grilled cheese food truck, opened its first brick-and-mortar location at Optimist last year.

“We set out to do one thing: perfect America’s Favorite Sandwich, which in our mind, we feel we have done (after about 1,000 takes),” says Brian Stockholm, owner of Papi Queso.

Harriet’s is in a 675-square-foot stall directly to the right of the hall’s Parkwood entrance and next to Bao + Broth. It also has a pick-up window so you don’t even have to enter the hall.

The “succinct and nostalgic menu” is reminiscent of diners from the 1950 and 1960s, Plaid Penguin says.

Burger: You can order your hamburger with or without white American cheese. The burgers are served on a brioche bun with pickles, red onions, and “signature sauce.” Order a single patty or a double.

Secret menu item: There’s also a secret menu item called “The Jucy Lucy.” It’s a cheese-stuffed hamburger.

Online orders: Harriet’s will be open for online orders and scheduled pickups only for its first week, until September 21.

The burger joint joins a growing list of food stalls to open at Optimist Hall, which currently has almost 20 tenants, including Papi Queso, The Dumpling Lady, Spindle Bar, and Ava Pizzeria. Tenants will continue opening in waves through this year.

Hours: Harriet’s will be open Sunday – Thursday, 11:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m. and Friday – Saturday, 11:00 a.m. – 10:00 p.m.

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