Z-Burger: The American Dream Reaches Columbia Heights

“Have you tried the onion rings, yet?” asked Peter Tabibian, hovering over a flock of reporters like a doting mother. “Let me get you onion rings,” he answered aloud, before anyone could say that they were already full from the cheeseburgers, cheese steaks, fries, hot dogs and custard they’d already sampled. Later, he would invite all to tour not only the kitchen, but the basement storage rooms, where century-old tiles still lined the walls, and a faded, carved fireplace could be seen behind boxes of plastic cups.

And who could blame him for his enthusiasm?

The Columbia Heights Z-Burger opened its doors just two weeks ago, and is already gearing up to be the most successful of the restaurant’s five locations– which, to boot, all opened within the past five years.

It’s a crowning achievement for co-founder and owner Tabibian, and– dare we say it– proof that the American dream remains alive?

Originally from Iran and without a college degree, Tabibian learned the ropes on the job, starting at Burger King as a teenager then moving to other brand name chains.  He may candidly admit that, “This is all I know how to do,” when asked his motivation to be a restaurateur, but make no mistake… he beams as hearty as his burgers: “I’m very proud of this place.”