After a fiery hiatus, the smoke’s cleared and Richardson’s OG burger joint, Del’s, is back. Founded in 1957, it’s the oldest restaurant in Richardson, and after an accidental grease fire sparked in the ventilation system on April 25, it had been closed to anxious fans’ dismay. The blaze started around 4:30 p.m. on a casual Friday with a full dining room, but the Richardson Fire Department got there fast enough that there were no injuries, but just enough damage to shutter the place for 42 days.
Family-owned for nearly 70 years, Taher “Hoss” Hossein, who’s run Del’s since 2003, took his time fixing things. New grill, new flattop, shiny new deep fryer, stainless-steel back wall, and a fresh coat of paint. But the soul? It’s the same as it’s always been. And beyond the kitchen upgrades, the décor and dining room look pretty much as they always have, yellow-tinged menu boards, vintage signs, exposed ducts, checkered tablecloths, and wooden chairs, save for one subtle change: the repositioning of a red street sign that reads “Fire Fighter Lane,” a nod to the heroes who kept the local institution alive.
They reopened on June 6 to their two busiest days ever, with 400–500 burgers flying out of the tiny kitchen, lines out the door, and people bumping into each other, clamoring for tables. If it’s been a while, or even if you’ve never been, there’s no better time to visit…