FAT BOY BURGERS

FAT BOY

BURGERS

Giving back to the community they love is vital to owners Ray and Rayette Bible.

BY MICHELLE BANSE STOKES, PHOTOGRAPHY BY EMILY HENDERSON

To stand out from the crowd, it’s necessary to go above and beyond the routine. Fat Boy Burgers offers both locals and travelers a rare dining experience that you wouldn’t expect to find in a small, Texas town with a population of less than 2,300. Ray and Rayette Bible preside over Johnson City’s burger hotspot with an easygoing atmosphere whether diners choose to relax inside or outside. Either way, you’re guaranteed an incredible experience along with an incredible meal.

“We’re proud to be family owned and operated,” shared Rayette. “This is actually our second location. We first opened inside my parent’s restaurant in Johnson City. Ray and I decided that we wanted to do burgers and we came up with recipes. We visited a lot of other burger places over the years and our concept came together. It grew fast and it stuck. We knew Johnson City is where we wanted to be.”

With a tried-and-true menu, Fat Boy Burgers is a whole lot more than just premium burgers and fries.

“We’ve come up with new items over the years,” added Rayette. “We have barbecue, fajitas, and also food truck and catering services for wineries, weddings and special events. Then, of course, there is the Friday Fish Special. It’s homemade, hand-battered fish and shrimp, coleslaw, beans, and tartar sauce. It’s a recipe that originated with my mom and dad. Of course, we’ve added our own touches, too.”

Giving back to the community the Bibles call home is fundamental to the family. They’re quick to step in when needed and lend a helping hand.

Top, Ray Bible prepares Fat Boy’s famous burgers for a hungry crowd; bottom, more than burgers, Fat Boy’s menu has expanded to include something to tempt even the pickiest eater.

“We give back to Johnson City with not only funds, but also our time,” said Rayette. “Ray is president of the Johnson City Volunteer Fire Department. It’s very close to his heart. He’ll get a fire call when he’s working at the restaurant and he just looks back saying, ‘I have to go!’ I’m proud to be a part of Lights Spectacular. It benefits our community and offers enjoyment for our visitors that return year after year.

“Giving back is what is important to us both. At Fat Boy, our true love is to feed our community and those that come to the Hill Country to visit us.”

Fat Boy Burgers is located at 104 US-281 and online at fatboyburgers. com.

Top, Fat Boy Burgers owners Ray and Rayette Bible; bottom right, the home of the Fat Boy burger; bottom left, the famous Fat Boy burger with hand-battered onion rings and fries.

JOHNSON CITY, TEXAS | 25