Five Star Family Burger has been open for a decade–it started as a food truck–and Goldstar Yim took over the family business from his parents in 2020.
In addition to traditional burgers, Five Stars puts a Korean twist on their burgers for an explosion of tastes. Two of the most unique (and popular) items on the menu are the kimchi burger, topped with fermented cabbage, and the burger topped with bulgogi, a savory marinated and thinly-sliced beef.
“It all started like a secret menu option or a chef’s special,” Goldstar explained when asked about these burger fusions. “One day we just had bulgogi [at] home and we’re like, you should put that on a burger. Same thing with the kimchi, too.”
It is the kimchi burger that made foodies notice this little restaurant housed in a former launderette in downtown Cornelius. “We’ve had a lot of news coverage with the kimchi [burgers]. [It’s] what Korea is kind of known for when you think of Korean cuisine, first and foremost,” said Goldstar.
Burger aficionados come from all over the region, and also from Washington State and beyond. It is truly befitting that the dining area is adorned with license plates from a variety of states, including Washington, Iowa, Colorado, North Carolina and Massachusetts.
Bring your appetite, as well as your patience. Signs greet customers reminding them to allow at least 20 minutes for your order. “Good food…it takes time,” said Goldstar. “We make our own charcoal naturally and organically. [We] take pride in the quality and it does take time and we hope people respect that.”
Phoning your order in advance is highly recommended and encouraged.
