Behind Josh Arthurs’ laid-back demeanour is a driven chef taking on Sydney’s competitive burger scene. In 2016 he finished a busy year of pop-ups and then put down permanent roots at the Annandale Hotel and Greenwood Plaza in North Sydney. In August, he opened a 150-seat venue in Rouse Hill.

“People are really into burgers here, and we had a huge response on social media from the area,” says Arthurs.

Burgers by Josh Bar and Grill is located in a former Mexican restaurant in Rouse Hill’s town centre. It’s Arthurs’ most ambitious project to date. “It already had a south-west feel to it, so we only had to renovate a bit. It’s got this great Texas vibe,” he says.

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His double-patty Primo Burger is on the menu, and weekly burger specials run across Arthurs’ three locations. This week there’s the Dirty Harry, a double-beef burger with maple bacon, spicy barbeque relish and Arthurs’ own bacon-mayo hybrid. Arthurs is experimenting with sides, such as four-cheese onion rings.

Rouse Hill also has a grill menu, with dishes done in the extravagant style we’ve come to expect from Arthurs. “We’re doing smoked meats, briskets, ribs and some huge barbeque platters,” he says. “We smoke all the meats and I use my own barbeque sauces and spice rubs.”

The venue is plans to roll out the same boozy milkshakes that are served at The Annandale, but the liquor license is still pending. Arthurs expects approval before the end of the year, and then he’ll begin serving creamy Kahlua shakes and beers from local brewers such as Young Henrys.
The busy Arthurs is also working on another project that will launch in early 2018. “I’ve got something pretty cool coming up in February. It’s still under wraps, but it’s not going to be burgers. I’m pretty excited,” he says. Watch this space.

Burgers by Josh Bar and Grill
Shop 82, 10–14 Market Lane, Rouse Hill Town Centre, Rouse Hill
No phone

Hours
Wed to Thu 12pm–3pm, 5.30pm–9pm
Fri 12pm–3pm, 5.30pm–9.30pm
Sat & Sun 12pm–3.30pm, 5.30pm–9pm

burgersbyjosh.com