In a tale of serendipity and culinary innovation, Kyle and Christina Urrutia, the proprietors of Frank N Lola's food truck, have emerged as the undisputed champions of Mobtown Burger Week, captivating the hearts and taste buds of the local community. Their journey, marked by unexpected twists and a relentless pursuit of perfection, has culminated in a historic double victory, solidifying their status as the burger royalty of the region.

Burgers, Beats, and a Bulldog Named Lola: The Unlikely Rise of Frank N Lola's

From Hot Dogs to Smash Burger Supremacy

When the Urrutias arrived in coastal Alabama, they had their sights set on serving up Chicago-style hot dogs, but fate had other plans. As they navigated the logistics and legal requirements of starting a food truck, their vision evolved, and the humble hot dog cart blossomed into a full-fledged trailer. It was during this pivotal moment that the couple stumbled upon the perfect name for their venture – Frank N Lola's, a nod to their beloved family pets.The real turning point, however, came when Christina Urrutia's culinary creativity took center stage. Inspired by the allure of smash burgers, she began experimenting with bold flavor profiles, seamlessly blending the classic elements of a burger with unexpected twists. The result was a menu that captivated the taste buds of the local community, setting the stage for their remarkable success at Mobtown Burger Week.

Conquering Mobtown Burger Week: A Tale of Triumph and Pressure

The Urrutias' first foray into Mobtown Burger Week was a resounding success, as they claimed the coveted People's Choice award with their Maple Mayhem Smash Burger. This victory, however, came with a price – the pressure to defend their title the following year.Undaunted, the couple rose to the challenge, crafting an even more ambitious creation, the "Super Nova" smash burger. Topped with smoky bacon jam, hot honey aioli, and a slab of fried brie, this culinary masterpiece not only secured the People's Choice award but also the distinction of selling the most burgers during the event. Their historic double win cemented their status as the reigning champions of Mobtown Burger Week, a testament to their unwavering dedication and culinary prowess.

The Art of the Smash: Mastering the Technique and Embracing Freshness

At the heart of Frank N Lola's success lies their commitment to the art of the smash burger. Kyle Urrutia, the resident grill master, meticulously hand-forms each patty, ensuring that every bite is made with the freshest ingredients. The magic happens on the flat-top griddle, where the hefty handheld press transforms the patties into thin, seared discs, locking in the flavor and creating the signature "cheese skirt" that has become a hallmark of their burgers.The Urrutias' dedication to freshness extends beyond the patties, as evidenced by their homemade fries. Each potato is individually sliced on an industrial slicer, ensuring that every fry is crisp, golden, and bursting with flavor. This attention to detail sets Frank N Lola's apart, showcasing their unwavering commitment to quality and their refusal to compromise on the customer experience.

Paying It Forward: The Mentorship Mindset That Fuels Their Success

The Urrutias' journey to the top of the burger world has been marked by the generosity and guidance of a mentor, Norman Vining, who runs the Lith's Asian Cuisine food trailer. When the couple first embarked on their food truck venture, they were admittedly "clueless" about the logistics and operations. Vining, however, took them under his wing, sharing his expertise and helping them navigate the challenges of the industry.This spirit of mentorship has become a core tenet of the Frank N Lola's ethos. The Urrutias now pay it forward, actively supporting and promoting other food truck operators, even those they might consider competitors. They firmly believe that there is enough "meat on the bone" for everyone to succeed, and they take pride in seeing their peers thrive. This collaborative mindset has not only endeared them to the local community but has also inspired others to follow in their footsteps, creating a vibrant and supportive ecosystem within the mobile food scene.

Embracing the Nomadic Lifestyle: Expanding Horizons and Conquering New Frontiers

As the Urrutias' culinary empire continues to grow, they have embraced the freedom and excitement of the food truck lifestyle. While their home base remains in coastal Alabama, they occasionally venture out-of-state, taking their burgers to events like the Mothman Festival in West Virginia. These excursions, though logistically challenging, offer the couple a chance to connect with new audiences and showcase their culinary prowess on a broader stage.The financial rewards of these out-of-state ventures are also a significant draw. According to Christina Urrutia, the earnings from a few days on the road can match what they make in an entire month at their local spots. This flexibility and the ability to explore new horizons are integral to the Urrutias' vision for Frank N Lola's, as they continue to push the boundaries of their success and cement their reputation as the burger kings of the region.As the Urrutias look ahead to 2025, their calendar is already practically booked, a testament to the enduring popularity of their smash burgers and the unwavering loyalty of their growing fan base. With their innovative spirit, collaborative mindset, and relentless pursuit of perfection, the future of Frank N Lola's looks brighter than ever, poised to continue their reign as the undisputed champions of the Mobtown Burger Week and beyond.