Ray and Frances Stanish purchased Burkhart’s Motor Dining and reopened as Top Notch Hamburgers in 1971. This family operation became legendary during the Stanish’s 39 years at the helm. In 2010 the family sold to the current owners, but little was changed.
Top Notch hosts Classic Cars and Hot Rod shows regularly to fully embrace the old Car Hop restaurant vibe. Some will recognize Top Notch as the burger joint from the movies "Varsity Blues" and "Dazed and Confused," the Richard Linklater cult classic. In fact, Top Notch hosts an annual event every April 20 to play the movie for all the fans on an outdoor movie screen. The flashing marquee signage and movie references have become iconic symbols in pop culture all over the world.
Top Notch has won several awards over the years, including Best Fried Chicken in Texas, Best Burger in the City, and Iconic Business of the Year.