Acclaimed North Texas burger joint, open since 1957, catches fire​on April 28, 2025 at 4:37 pm

RICHARDSON, Texas — Del’s Charcoal Burgers, the historic Richardson burger joint of nearly 70 years, caught fire on Friday and will be closed temporarily.

Del’s, located at 110 S. McKinney St. off U.S. 75 and Belt Line Road in Richardson, has operated at the same location since 1957 and is the oldest burger restaurant in the city.

The fire happened around 4:30 p.m. Friday, according to the Richardson Fire Department. Several crews responded and were able to put the fire out in time to “save a historical landmark,” the fire department posted on social media.

Del’s also confirmed the fire on social media but said the restaurant will return soon:

“Well this happened yesterday. Can never predict a fire happening, but we are eternally grateful to the Richardson Fire Department who were there in a flash and knew exactly what they were doing. Also, very thankful for all the calls and messages from you all. Really has made the situation better. Give us a little bit of time, and we will be back and better than ever.”

Del’s, famous for their burgers, hot dogs and root beer floats, was featured just last month in Texas Monthly, in an article headlined, “In the changing suburb of Richardson, Del’s stands still.”

“Although Del’s Charcoal Burgers is housed in an aging building, with blond bricks, a flat roof, and a Texas flag painted to look as if it were unfurling in the wind, it shows no signs of decay,” Paul McDonnold wrote for the magazine. “In an ever-moving world, still points are needed, and Del’s is that kind of place.”

Richardson Mayor Bob Dubey said he was “devastated” about the fire but said there were no serious injuries and that the city “will do everything we can to support getting their doors back open!”