Oregon-Based Next Level Burger Looking to Expand to Seattle

Bend, Oregon-based Next Level Burger is possibly headed to Seattle, the restaurant's co-founder Matthew de Gruyter confirmed to Eater Seattle.

"Next Level Burger is strongly evaluating an entry into the Seattle market and we'll continue to keep our fans and our potential fans in the loop as we get closer to making an official announcement regarding our expansion," de Gruyter says.

Next Level Burger specializes in so-called "plant-based" food; all burgers, hot dogs, shakes, salads, sides, and sandwiches are made without animal products.

"It's so much better for the planet," de Gruyter told Eater PDX. "A pound of red meat takes about 2,500 gallons of water to produce. I used to eat about seven pounds of meat a week, so that means I was going through a swimming pool's worth of water on a weekly basis. We're reinventing fast food. We've taken the classic American burger stand and made it 100 percent plant-based, dairy-free, non-GMO. And we use 100 percent organic produce. It's a healthy alternative for everyone, whether you're in a progressive city like Portland, or somewhere like Dallas, Texas." The Bend restaurant also boasts the world's most efficient toilet, among other energy-efficient and eco-friendly aspects.

Next Level Burger is currently readying to open a location in Portland, with plans to roll out lots of new locations around the country in the coming years. Apparently Seattle is next on the list.