Portland’s Sure Shot Burger Levels Up: Beloved Smash Burger Cart to Open Restaurant in 2026

Sure Shot Burger is making a significant leap from its popular smash burger cart to a permanent brick-and-mortar restaurant, with exciting expansion plans slated for 2026 in Portland, Oregon. This move represents a major milestone for the beloved local spot, the Sure Shot Burger cart, which has cultivated a strong reputation for its exceptional offerings. This news is highly anticipated by fans and marks a big moment for the Portland food scene. The new restaurant will offer a unique dining experience, bringing classic Sure Shot Burger flavors to a dedicated home and fitting perfectly within the evolving Oregon culinary landscape, a city known for its diverse restaurants and vibrant bars. The success of the Sure Shot Burger cart has clearly paved the way for this exciting new chapter.

From Smash Burger Cart to Brick and Mortar: The Sure Shot Burger Story

Sure Shot Burger initially gained a loyal following as a food cart, with many customers raving about their delicious smash burgers, renowned for their perfect crispy edges and juicy interiors. This highly popular smash burger cart operates near Oakshire Beer Hall and has become a go-to destination for burger enthusiasts. Critics have consistently praised Sure Shot Burger, with appearances on numerous best burger lists, even earning acclaim from Bill Oakley himself. The cart’s undeniable success has now paved the way for a permanent home. The owners are enthusiastically embracing the next chapter, with this expansion serving as a testament to their hard work and unwavering dedication to quality. The Sure Shot Burger move signifies a new era, allowing them to serve a larger audience and provide a more robust dining experience. This brick and mortar dream is finally coming true for Sure Shot Burger.

A New Home for Sure Shot Burger, Just Steps Away

The new Sure Shot Burger restaurant will be conveniently located just feet from its current cart, taking over the former Taqueria Los Pepitos Locos space on NE 42nd Avenue. Taqueria Los Pepitos Locos is set to relocate by the end of 2025, and Sure Shot Burger is expected to receive the keys in January 2026, with construction commencing shortly after. The owners are aiming for an April 2026 opening, ensuring a smooth transition for their loyal customer base. This strategic move, a short distance from their original spot, provides a sensible and safe step into the brick-and-mortar world. The new Sure Shot Burger location promises more space and a dedicated dining area, building upon their existing success and enhancing their presence in the Portland food scene. This development highlights the confidence in the Sure Shot Burger brand and Portland’s vibrant culinary appeal.

The Sure Shot Burger Experience: Classic Vibes, Modern Comfort

The concept for the new Sure Shot Burger restaurant is clear: a dedicated haven for burgers, fries, and shakes, embodying a classic “drive-in” feel, though they’ve humorously excluded roller skates and car delivery. The focus is on recreating that quintessential, family-friendly burger joint atmosphere. Plans include a patio area in the former parking lot, offering desirable outdoor dining options and creating a welcoming space for all. The heart of the Sure Shot Burger experience remains its delicious, simple food, embracing a casual dining approach that honors its food cart roots while offering comfort food in a refined setting. The atmosphere is designed to encourage lingering, making it an ideal spot for friends and families. The addition of the patio capitalizes on Portland’s weather, and it’s poised to become a popular neighborhood fixture, enhancing the local feel. This new Sure Shot Burger establishment is set to become a go-to destination.

Menu Delights at Sure Shot Burger

The menu at the new Sure Shot Burger location will prominently feature their signature items, including traditional beef burgers and Impossible burgers for a fantastic vegetarian option. The culinary team plans to introduce a rotating burger special, keeping the offerings fresh and allowing for creative exploration while ensuring customer favorites remain available. The popular double cheeseburger, a masterpiece of two patties, cheese, onions, pickles, and special sauce, is a must-try. Complementing the burgers are their critically acclaimed crispy fries, often described as near-perfect. Sure Shot Burger also offers delicious chicken nuggets, and smooth shakes will round out the experience. Drinks from local breweries, such as Oakshire, may also be featured. The Sure Shot Burger menu remains focused, prioritizing quality and flavor with consistent execution, the very elements that have driven their remarkable success and promise deliciousness in every bite.

Sure Shot Burger and Portland’s Evolving Food Scene

Portland continues to be a dynamic hub for new culinary ventures, and 2026 promises a host of exciting openings, with the expansion of Sure Shot Burger being a key highlight. This move exemplifies the successful transition from a food cart to a full-fledged restaurant, a path many entrepreneurs are increasingly embracing to scale their operations and solidify their market position. The city’s food culture thrives on innovation, and Sure Shot Burger adds significantly to this vibrant tapestry, representing a growing segment of the market that appeals to a broad audience. This development solidifies the Sure Shot Burger brand’s place in the city and confirms its widespread popularity. It’s a significant addition that will undoubtedly be a major draw. The Oregon restaurant scene is exceptionally dynamic, constantly buzzing with new concepts, and this burger spot is a welcome and anticipated addition, perfectly complementing the local bars and offering a much-needed casual dining option. Sure Shot Burger’s new brick and mortar establishment will undoubtedly support the local economy and provide another compelling reason to visit Portland. The future looks incredibly delicious for burger fans, and the anticipation is building for the grand opening of this new venture in April 2026.

Author

  • Crystal Miller

    Hello, I'm Crystal Miller. I hold a Bachelor's degree in Journalism from Oregon State University and have a deep passion for entertainment, music, the arts, and politics. Throughout my career, I have been dedicated to exploring and reporting on these diverse areas, bringing insightful and engaging stories to the community. When I'm not writing, I immerse myself in Portland's thriving cultural scene, attending concerts, art exhibits, and political events. This city’s rich artistic and political landscape continuously fuels my enthusiasm and commitment to journalism.

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