Back when I was a wee freshman, my Jesuit big brother told me a lot of things that went in one ear and out the other, but there was one thing that prominently stuck: “Willie’s Burgers has a student discount.” 

For thousands of Marauders, Willie’s offered a typical burger joint, with fries, shakes, hotdogs, and more. But there was one defining feature for us Jesuit students – the student discount. 

Willie’s has been a staple of Jesuit student culture. And, like many before me, I went to Willie’s many times, and the food was consistently decent, and all for a reasonable price. 

Suddenly, though, on March 30 of this year, that all changed: Willie’s Burgers tragically shut down. This abrupt end to a longstanding tradition forever alters the state of Marauderdom. 

Its closure is a brutal gut-punch, but now we have more information about its upcoming replacement.

The successor of Willie’s, “Gami Burgers”, is set to be another burger place, but with an Asian inspired twist, and the brand isn’t the owners’ first foray into food. Scott Ostrander and Paul DiPierro, the owners of the new store, also operate an Asian fusion restaurant, “Origami,” in Folsom.

Of course, while Willie’s closing after its incredible run is sad, there is a lot to look forward to. Gami Burgers may be a refreshing take on the classic burger joint, and it looks to offer more and healthier options than Willie’s. 

As Jesuit students, we all mourn the closure of Willie’s – but let’s welcome Gami Burgers with an open mind and, with time, we might one day look on it with the same appreciation we have for Willie’s.