Mashed Burgers In Cliffside Park, New Jersey: Best Burgers In NJ
We sat down with Farag Awad and Omar Alyemany of Mashed Burgers in Cliffside Park, New Jersey. Mashed Burgers stands out as a must-visit destination for burger lovers seeking the best in New Jersey. Their commitment to quality ingredients and innovative recipes sets them apart in a competitive culinary scene. Each burger is expertly crafted, featuring a perfectly seasoned patty, fresh toppings, and artisanal buns that elevate the traditional burger experience. From classic options to unique flavor combinations, every bite showcases the passion and creativity of the chefs. With a welcoming atmosphere and a menu that caters to all tastes, Mashed Burgers delivers an unforgettable dining experience that truly earns its reputation as New Jersey's burger hotspot. Read More: The Best Burger Restaurants in Every U.S. State: 2025 Editor's Picks!
Mashed Burgers In Cliffside Park, New Jersey: Best Burgers In NJ
Where did you grow up and where have you traveled to that contributed to you opening your own restaurant?
We grew up in Fort Lee,NJ with a passion for food and travel, exploring food from across the world. Our favorite food was always burgers and the Los Angeles burger scene inspired us to bring the smash burger concept to the east coast.
Mashed Burgers In Cliffside Park, New Jersey: Best Burgers In NJ
We then trained in Spain to perfect and learn more about our favorite dessert Churros which we then implemented into our concept.
Tell our readers an interesting fact or two about yourself that reflects your management style?
Farag was a corporate marketer, and Omar was a financial analyst before we launched Mashed Burgers. We took the key lessons from our corporate careers—strategic branding, data-driven decision-making, and financial discipline—and applied them to our business. This structured approach allows us to balance creativity with efficiency, ensuring we deliver a top-tier experience while maintaining a strong operational foundation.
Tell us about your absolute favorite food and why readers should try it if they haven’t already?
Our top pick is the OKC Fried Onion Mash Spicy Style. Its unique blend of flavors sets it apart from any burgers we’ve tried-perfectly balancing spicy and sweetness for an amazing boom of flavors.
Can you walk us through your experience in developing and maintaining a “strong team dynamic” among restaurant staff?
Coming from corporate backgrounds—Farag as a marketer and Omar as a financial analyst—we’ve always valued structured teamwork and clear communication. At Mashed Burgers, we apply those principles by fostering a culture of accountability and collaboration. We emphasize training, ensuring every team member understands both the brand vision and operational efficiencies. Just as in our corporate careers, we rely on data to identify areas for improvement and team feedback to maintain morale. By creating a supportive environment where everyone feels valued and empowered, we’ve built a team that operates seamlessly, even in the fast-paced restaurant industry.
Mashed Burgers In Cliffside Park, New Jersey: Best Burgers In NJ
In your opinion, what factors contribute to excellent customer service?
Excellent customer service comes down to three key factors: consistency, attentiveness, and personalization. We understand the importance of building a brand experience that customers can rely on. At Mashed Burgers, we train our team to be proactive in anticipating customer needs, ensuring every interaction is warm and efficient. We also believe in personalization, whether it’s remembering a regular’s order or engaging in genuine conversations. Ultimately, great service isn’t just about speed—it’s about making every customer feel valued and eager to return.
What are 3 key characteristics you look for when hiring staff?
The three main pillars we look for when hiring staff are attitude, adaptability, and teamwork.
What is one of your greatest accomplishments or recent awards you've earned?
In 2024 our restaurant were recognized as one of the “Best New Restaurants in New Jersey.”
What are some of the latest trends you’re seeing in the hospitality industry?
Technology is transforming hospitality with digital ordering, AI-driven service, and streamlined operations. Consumers now expect elevated fast-casual dining with high-quality ingredients, transparency, and sustainable practices. At Mashed Burgers, we stay ahead by embracing these trends, creating a memorable experience through innovation, quality, and strong brand identity.
Mashed Burgers In Cliffside Park, New Jersey: Best Burgers In NJ
What cocktail or beverage do you enjoy most?
Our favorite drink EVER is our Lotus Biscoff Milkshake, it is absolutely addicting!
What do you love most about being the owner of Mashed Burgers?
What we love most about owning Mashed Burgers is seeing the pure satisfaction on our customers' faces when they take that first bite—it’s the most fulfilling feeling. Knowing that our passion for quality and flavor translates into a memorable experience for them makes all the hard work worth it. There’s nothing more rewarding than watching people genuinely enjoy our food and return time and time again.