Dateline: July 24, 2008

Bronco Burger readies for move 

Depending on your generation, the building on the southwest corner of Third and Kearney is known as the “M” System, Pud’s, or JAMZ. But if all goes according to plan, everyone will know it as the Bronco Burger next month.

Restaurant owner Jerome Martinez says he’s excited to move his popular burger joint off US 287 and into the heart of downtown.

“I just can’t wait,” he said. “There is so much potential at this location.”

Richard Tiedeman’s family crew is leading the renovation of the building under the direction of owner Landon Lambert.

The new Bronco Burger will occupy only the northeast portion of the first floor of the building, and Martinez says Lambert has other plans for the rest of the building.

The mezzanine to the second floor will be capped off for now, but Martinez says he hopes to eventually open it back up and expand to the second floor for private parties like birthdays, etc.

Pressed tin ceilings will largely remain intact in the restaurant, and coverings have been removed to reveal the wood floor. Windows are scheduled to be repaired soon, and plans call for central heat and cooling to be installed.

Martinez says his establishment will be non-smoking throughout but that he hopes to someday add tables outside on the north sidewalk for smoking and outdoor dining. He also plans to include a display to let travelers know what else is available in downtown.

“I want to help the community,” he said. “This town has done so much for me and my family.”

Martinez has been in the restaurant business since 1992. He moved to Clarendon two years ago when Sonic Drive-In opened and then took over the Bronco Burger in March.

Martinez says he isn’t worried about losing highway traffic.

“Ninety percent of my business is local,” he said. “There’s plenty of business right here in town.”