owner. blessed. happy. encouraged.

I first ate at Corbett’s Burgers a couple months ago with my friends in Hawiian shirts. It reminded me of one of my favorite niche things to do– eating burgers on the beach. Not to be misleading—Corbett’s is not beach- or tiki-themed at all—but something about the sound of burgers frying on the grill and the familiar smell of burgers and hot dogs brought that feeling to me.

When you enter Corbett’s, it’s nostalgic. There’s diner-style signs, soda bottles on the walls, black and white photos of people enjoying burgers, newspaper clippings, and a cooler filled with different unique sodas. Even when the food comes out, its wrapped in aluminum and on a red tray. The menu is far from simplistic with many different burger, hot dog, and side options. You can step into Corbett’s and really have any combination or style you like. Everything about Corbett’s is comforting, making you feel connected to those people in the photos on the walls — just enjoying the grease on your fingers and the fullness in your stomach.

When I arrived at Corbett’s for the interview, his restaurant was full of customers from all ages, ethnicities and stories. In this corner shop was dozens of people with smiles growing on their faces as their burgers disappeared. This is one of those places that feel good to come to, it feels familiar for everyone. It feels like Corbett took what he loved and knew and poured it into the space.

When Corbett sat with me, we immediately felt like two very different people, but I enjoyed that. Corbett is a father, a husband, a faith-driven man, and a business owner—and I am, for lack of a better words, not those things. We don’t have much in common, but I loved getting to know him. It reminded me why I started this blog in the first place. Corbett was honest with me and wore his faith in Christ proudly. I told him I loved that he shared this with me, because I truly think it’s beautiful when people believe in something and aren’t afraid to show it, regardless of what the world might think.

Corbett opened this restaurant out of a simple desire: to work at a place that closes on Sundays for his faith. When he told me this, I was immediately impressed—and also shocked. As most people know, opening a business isn’t easy. Not everyone can say, “Hey, I want this, so I’m going to do it,” and actually follow through. Curious how he managed to take such a leap, I asked him. He told me something absolutely beautiful that speaks to who he is as a man, father, husband, and business owner:

“I think anybody can really do just about anything they want if they set their mind to it and focus and plan. Find your strengths, find your weaknesses. I know math and science aren’t my strengths, as much I could study and try to, it’s just not. So I focused on my strengths and weaknesses like a laser beam and I did it.”

What an admirable mindset. There are so many people in this world who don’t believe in themselves, who are afraid of failing, who are afraid of the unknown or are just afraid of all outcomes. Fear often stops us from being our greatest selves and allows our subconscious to compromise our desires. Corbett wanted to rest and respect the Lord’s Day, so he created his life and work to do so. That trust in himself was amazing to see as someone who is figuring out her own life. Corbett explained to me that his hardwork and perserverance is what makes his restaurant successful, that he knows everything falls back on him. Although some may percieve that as pressure or burden, Corbett is optimistic knowing that God is in control and has a plan.

Corbett also told me that he does everything for his wife. His wife of 30 years (happy anniversary!!) that he met in high school with their first date being at prom. His love for his wife was so apparent within our conversation being that his comfort meal is anything his wife cooks and the person who has impacted him the most but doesnt know it being his wife’s father. I love hearing about love from anyone but when it’s from a long-standing, strong relationship, I had to ask how. Corbett responded again in respect to his faith,

“God and Christ are your authority and eveything’s based upon that relationship. So if the relationship to Chris is close, that’s how you should deal with your spouse. That’s how you should be with your kids. You know, Chris was not selfish, so therefore, as a dad or mom or kid, we shouldn’t be selfish. It really starts with focusing on your family and then it should flow out from there.”

There was this video clip I saw where a man explains when a bird sits on a branch and the branch breaks, the bird doesn’t fall. It uses it’s wings. Corbett’s wings are himself, God and his family. I truly believe that is all Corbett needs in life.

Now to discuss the food:

I ordered the Sodalicious Burger based on an employee’s recommendation, and it did not disappoint. This burger had American cheese, lettuce, tomato, onion, hickory-smoked bacon, and their signature white & orange Sodalicious sauce. Everything you want on a classic burger.

The burger itself was juicy and jam-packed with flavor. You could taste every element of it as it all melted together to form one simple thought: “That is a good ass burger.” It was a classic American burger, elevated by their house-made sauces.

I also got cheese fries. Because come on—it’s CHEESE FRIES. They were perfectly seasoned, crispy, and made ooey-gooey with classic American cheese sauce. I’d highly recommend this combo. It reminded me why every burger needs its fries—they create a salty heaven that hits the spot on any kind of day.

I also had the pleasure of getting a glass-bottled soda, something that’s very uncommon in most restaurants these days. There’s so much joy in drinking a locally made soda with a good burger and fries. I felt like a kid again, trying soda for the first time ever. I demolished this meal and am only more excited to try more of the wonderful combinations on their menu!

Thank you Corbett for your hospitality. Thank you for sharing your story and love for your family and faith with me. Thank you for bringing smiles to our community. Thank you for staying true to yourself and being a man of action.