For decades, The Hamburger Factory has been more than just a restaurant in Poway, California; it’s been a community cornerstone. Nestled in the heart of Old Poway Park, this family restaurant has become synonymous with the town itself, a place where memories are made and traditions are savored. Longtime resident Nancee Prast, a member of the “Luscious Lunch Ladies” who have frequented the establishment weekly for 40 years, encapsulates this sentiment perfectly: “Hamburger Factory is a backbone of Poway… It’s right in the middle of town. Everybody knows the park, the trains. It’s just Poway.”
When news of the restaurant’s sale circulated this past summer, a wave of questions and concerns rippled through the community. Would the name remain? Would the beloved menu that generations had grown up with stay intact? The uncertainty was palpable, as The Hamburger Factory isn’t just any eatery; it’s a repository of local history and shared experiences.
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Stepping in to address these concerns is Josh Arbenz, the new owner and a Poway native himself. Arbenz is deeply aware of the restaurant’s significance, having grown up dining at The Hamburger Factory with his own family. “When you’re a kid, when you hear you’re going to Hamburger Factory, I just remember it was a fun place,” Arbenz recalls, emphasizing the restaurant’s long-standing appeal as a family-friendly destination. He assures the community, “It’s going to stay The Hamburger Factory. We’re just going to put a modern refresh on it.”
Arbenz’s journey to owning this iconic family restaurant is rooted in his passion for the Poway community and the unique charm of The Hamburger Factory. Initially pursuing his restaurateur dreams, Arbenz first sought a location within Poway. While his initial attempts led him to establish Stratford at the Harbor in Oceanside and Stratford Court Cafe in Del Mar, his heart remained in Poway. When the opportunity to acquire The Hamburger Factory arose, Arbenz felt a strong pull, driven by his personal history with the establishment and his understanding of its place in the community’s fabric.
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Arbenz believes his deep-rooted connection to Poway played a crucial role in his successful acquisition of the restaurant. “Had I not been from Poway, I don’t think I would have had the context. It would have just been another restaurant,” he explains, highlighting the importance of understanding the restaurant’s history and community significance.
Looking ahead, Arbenz envisions a thoughtful modernization of The Hamburger Factory. His plans include updating the décor while carefully preserving the rustic Americana theme that harmonizes with Old Poway Park and its beloved steam train, a weekend attraction for families. While some menu adjustments are anticipated, Arbenz is committed to retaining the cherished favorites that have defined The Hamburger Factory’s culinary identity for years. He understands the delicate balance between innovation and tradition, aiming to “put our own spin on it without alienating the existing clientele.”
For Josh Arbenz, taking the helm of The Hamburger Factory is more than a business venture; it’s a deeply personal undertaking. “To have the opportunity to run it is a privilege and also an honor, and it’s a big responsibility,” he acknowledges. As The Hamburger Factory embarks on this new chapter, the community can look forward to a refreshed yet familiar family restaurant, one that honors its rich history while embracing the future, continuing its legacy as a cherished Poway institution.
