The Habit Burger Grill Opening in Murrieta

Santa Barbara-born The Habit Burger Grill hopes locals will make a "habit" of visiting their newest location in Murrieta.

The Habit is set to open May 9 in Murrieta Plaza at 40436 Murrieta Hot Springs Road, Suite 102. A company representative said Murrieta was chosen when seeking "great sites across California."

"The Habit was started in Santa Barbara in 1969 so it is definitely a California brand," said Mike Mirkil, vice president of marketing for The Habit Restaurants, LLC. "The guys who started it wanted to make the best burger in Santa Barbara and grew it to what it has become today."

The Habit Burger Grill has 58 locations, and within the last year opened its first three out-of-California sites in Phoenix, Ariz.

The Murrieta site is situated next door to in the same center as , and other retailers and restaurants.

"The location in this Murrieta center offers good day time traffic and has nearby residential areas—ideal for both lunch and dinner business," Mirkil said. "We really depend on both."

The Habit Burger is best known for its charbroiled patties, but also has a beach-inspired menu that includes chicken, albacore tuna, beef tri-tip and salads and avocado, he said.

"Most people come for the burger, but end up coming back to try other things on the menu," Mirkil said. "It's all fresh, and everything is grilled over an open flame. Our char grilling tends to give it a unique flavor profile."

The restaurant is "fast casual," meaning customers order and pay for their food at the counter.

"It is served so you can get in and out pretty quickly," he said.

Mirkil said hiring was underway, and expects the company to select about 25 new employees for the location.

"We are just really known for serving quality food with very friendly staff," Mirkil said.

Prior to opening, The Habit Burger Grill is planning benefit events for local nonprofits.

"We love to get involved in the communities in which we serve and do our part," Mirkil said.

From noon to 2 p.m. Sunday, May 6, 100 percent of proceeds will go to the . From 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. the same day, all proceeds will benefit the Muscular Dystrophy Association and area families.

From noon to 2 p.m. Monday, May 7, all proceeds will benefit California Restaurant Association Educational Foundation (CRAEF), which supports ProStart, a nonprofit that provides a curriculum for high school students to learn about careers in food service and the culinary arts.

"We usually raise about $1,000 or more (for each)," Mirkil said.

He invited locals to check out The Habit Burger Grill on Facebook.

The restaurant will open to the public at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, May 9.

"We are getting good feedback. Hopefully it will be a good strong opening."