There's a new player on the fiercely competitive Houston burger scene, and it's one that's worth checking out.  So we trekked down from the Woodlands to Holcombe Blvd. to find out more.

Called JerryBuilt Burgers, it's a new fast casual chain that does things a bit differently than other burger joints.  We were invited to for a preview dinner a couple of days before the grand opening, and here are our impressions.

First, the building.  Entering the lofty, airy space you'd never guess that the building was previously an abandoned WaMu bank that was never completed.

The interior designers did a remarkable job, and thoughtful touches are everywhere.  On one side of the dining room is a large mural featuring numerous Houston landmarks.

There is even a unique feature - an automated handwashing station in the dining room.  Alex, our 13-year-old, actually washed his hands without being cajoled, and he pronounced the automated machine "cool".  We concur.

But you don't read this blog for our architectural critiques - you're interested in the food.  Jerry Built isn't trying to be a health food restaurant, but there is a focus on quality ingredients.  They're proudly displayed on the wall, right beside the eye-catching mural.

From Niman Ranch beef and Buddy's Natural Chicken to organic veggies to Blue Bell ice cream and (be still my heart) Three Brothers Bakery buns, the focus on quality ingredients impressive.  It's part of an overall attention to detail that's rare anywhere in the restaurant business, much less in the fast casual sector.

All these quality ingredients are great, but unless they're combined with skill and care, they're wasted.  Fortunately, that wasn't a problem.  After we ordered at the counter from the well-trained staff, our order appeared very quickly, and attractively packaged.

Looking inside the well-designed recyclable packaging, we found a truly gorgeous burger, char-grilled over an open flame with just the right amount of melty cheese, and fresh, crunchy veggies.

The result is a stunningly attractive burger, artfully arranged between the freshly sliced Three Brothers Bakery bun.  We enjoyed this burger, but we're reserving final comments on its flavor until we can sample a few more examples.  Oh, the sacrifices we make for our readers.

We're looking forward to returning to JerryBuilt Burgers after they've opened to the public to sample more of their offerings, and to enjoy the stylish, comfortable environment they have created.  With the attention to detail that was already displayed, we predicted great success for this new, home-grown burger brand.

(We were happy to learn that they've already begun construction on a second location that's located in the Woodlands.  They're aiming for a March opening.)

JerryBuilt Homegrown Burgers | 3501 W Holcombe Blvd | Houston, TX 77025
713-664-2874 | jerrybuiltburgers.com