Abbas Dhanani is the chef and owner of Burger Bodega, and a Houston native whose lifelong passion for burgers is rooted in family, community, and hometown pride.

After graduating from the University of Houston’s C. T. Bauer College of Business, Dhanani ran Houston Eatz, an Instagram account where he reviewed restaurants across the city and connected with chefs and concepts that would inspire his own venture.

Burger Bodega began as a pop-up concept in Houston in 2021, building a strong following through numerous events across the city. In November 2022, Dhanani opened Burger Bodega’s first brick-and-mortar location on Washington Avenue, serving smashburgers, chopped cheese sandwiches, and milkshakes in a space inspired by classic New York bodega culture and Houston flair. As chef and owner, he oversees menu development, operations, and long-term growth.

Burger Bodega has earned widespread acclaim, receiving an A-plus review from former Houston Chronicle Restaurant Critic Alison Cook shortly after opening and being included on Houston Chronicle’s “10 Best New Restaurants of 2022” list. The restaurant has been featured on The Infatuation’s “12 Best Burgers in America of 2023” list and Houston Chronicle’s “Top 100 Restaurants of 2025” list. It was named Neighborhood Restaurant of the Year by CultureMap Houston in their 2024 Tastemaker Awards and recognized by Houston Business Journal in the restaurant category of their 2023 Landmark Awards. Burger Bodega has also been featured in The New York Times, Texas Highways, and more major publications.

Dhanani launched Bas’s Cheesesteak Window in June 2025, offering pop-ups and recurring cheesesteak specials at Burger Bodega.

Outside the restaurant, Dhanani enjoys collecting sneakers, exploring Houston’s culinary scene, and spending time with his family.