Willie’s Burgers had everything a Jesuit High School Sacramento student could ask for – good food, plenty of spaces to hang with friends, proximity to campus, and a student discount. However, in 2023, the owner of Willie’s, Stephanie Taylor, sold the location to chefs Scott Ostrander and Paul DiPerro, who transformed it into the restaurant that stands there today: Gami Burger.

Unfortunately, although it occupies the same building, Gami Burger is not the same in any respect. While Carmichael gave it a warm welcome, the new establishment still has a lot of work to do to live up to Willie’s name. 

For starters, the atmosphere has completely changed. While some may argue it changed for the better, I disagree. The area is more crowded, which creates a more rushed environment than the calmer Willie’s setting that was enjoyed for over two decades. Long lines, filled tables, and claustrophobic spacing all destroyed the soul that Willie’s once had. 

While the restaurant’s ambience is an important factor, it is ultimately secondary to the food itself. This raises the question: is the food at Gami Burger better than Willie’s? 

To that, I say no. The fries, the smashed burger patty, and milkshakes all don’t compare to the Willie’s menu. Willie’s had chili fries and garlic fries, while Gami’s fries don’t even try. The smashed burger has an odd, distinct taste that didn’t resonate with my taste buds. And finally, while the milkshakes are good on their own, they are smaller and cost more than Willie’s. 

In my opinion, the biggest issue with Gami Burger is that it seems to be chasing fads. The trend of the boutique burger restaurant with the smash burgers and waffle fries seems to be what Gami Burger is trying to capitalize on. But is it too much to ask for a simple burger chain? Does it have to try to be “unique” and “innovative”? 

The Willie’s we once knew didn’t try to innovate; it did what worked and stuck by it, therefore cementing itself as one of the best food experiences in the Carmichael area. The classic restaurant that once occupied that beautiful building on Fair Oaks Boulevard will be missed, and we can only hope that Gami Burger can become what we need it to be.