Campus Burgers, a California-based fast-casual restaurant known for its affordable smash burgers, is preparing to open a new location in San Diego at 4204 Rolando Blvd.
The new location will move into the former home of Garden Kitchen, according to documents submitted to the San Diego Department of Environmental Health and Quality. While an exact opening date has yet to be finalized, franchise owner Ronald tells What Now San Diego that the restaurant is expected to open sometime between September and January 2027, pending permits and construction. This is one of two Campus Burgers locations currently planned for San Diego, as the brand plans to launch in Southern California in Pacific Beach under a separate franchise owner.
Speaking with What Now San Diego, Campus Burgers Co-Founder Jim Angelopoulos says the company launched just a couple of years ago and opened its first location in Downtown San Jose in 2024. It quickly gained a loyal following around its original Northern California locations, thanks in part to its value-focused menu anchored by its signature $1.99 hamburger.
Since opening additional locations in San Jose, Berkeley, and Gilroy, the company has turned its attention toward franchise growth throughout California and Arizona. Angelopoulos says there are currently as many as seven new sites in development through franchise agreements, including planned locations in Mesa, Arizona; Davis; Santa Cruz; and more.
Campus Burgers has built its reputation around a straightforward menu centered on smash burgers, fresh-cut fries, and shakes. Customers can choose from hamburgers, cheeseburgers, double burgers, and double cheeseburgers made with smashed beef patties, grilled onions, and the company’s signature Campus sauce. Specialty offerings include the Double Jalapeño Smash, Campus Fries topped with burger meat, cheese, grilled onions, and sauce, grilled cheese sandwiches, and hand-cut fries. Shakes, soft drinks, party packs, catering, takeout, and delivery round out the concept.
With its location near San Diego State University and surrounding residential neighborhoods, the Rolando Boulevard restaurant is positioned to introduce the growing burger chain’s value-driven concept to a new audience as Campus Burgers continues its expansion across the West.
