The Burger Poet in Franklin is a family smash-burger spot that grew up the hard way, from a food truck into a downtown storefront. Brandon and Linda San Agustin started the truck in August 2023, and by November 2024 they had opened a brick-and-mortar shop on North Morton Street.
From Food Truck to Franklin Storefront
The San Agustins ran the truck around Franklin, Edinburgh, and Shelbyville before settling into a permanent home. On November 9, 2024, they opened at 175 North Morton Street. It is a family operation in the real sense: Brandon and his two daughters work the business day to day, with Linda handling things behind the scenes.
The move from wheels to walls did not change the idea. Start with one burger, do it well, and build from there.
The Smash Burger That Started It
The smash burger was the only thing on the original food-truck menu, and it is still the reason most people show up. The patty gets smashed on the flat-top for a crisp, browned edge and finished on a brioche bun with a house sauce the San Agustins make themselves. You order it as a single or a double, and from there the menu has grown to cover more of the comfort-food basics.
What Else Is on the Menu
Beyond the burgers, the kitchen turns out hot dogs and chili cheese dogs, chicken tenders, loaded fries, and homemade sides. Much of it is made to order, from the house sauce on out, so give it a minute at busy times.
Planning Your Visit
The Burger Poet
175 North Morton Street
Franklin, Indiana
It is an eat-in spot with no drive-thru, and it keeps a casual, family-friendly room. Hours are Tuesday through Thursday from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Friday and Saturday from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m., closed Sunday and Monday. Hours can change, so it is worth a check before you drive over. You can find the current menu and details at theburgerpoet.com.
Franklin has a growing lineup of local eats, and The Burger Poet has quickly become one of the town's regular stops for a made-to-order burger.
