Aaron Franklin partners with Buddy's Burger for a unique smashburger experience.

The barbecue master collaborates with the locally-owned, family-based joint, Buddy's Burger, to bring a special treat to Austin and San Marcos.

"We doubled up their lattice smashed burgers cooked with onions compressed into the meat and finished it with Franklin Barbecue sauce and crispy fried onions."

The "Franklin Burger" will be available for a limited time only (August 29 to September 1) at the following locations:

• Austin: 9001 Cameron Road
• San Marcos: 927 Texas 80

About Buddy's Burger:

The story of Buddy's started with a family recipe for juicy, crispy smashburgers, which is over 20 years old. Twin siblings Zain and Isha Fidai, along with their cousin Saad, opened the first Buddy's on Cameron Road in 2020. The restaurant made the Statesman's Best New Restaurants list in 2021 and has since expanded to San Marcos in 2023.

Aaron Franklin's Burger Journey:

This isn't Franklin's first bite of the burger world. His Uptown Sports Club in East Austin offers a range of burgers, including a double patty, bacon cheeseburger, and a smashburger at weekend brunch. Franklin's also launched a new weekly feature, Frankie's, a supper club activation with a special "Table Burger" and classic Midwestern vibes.

Step Back in Time at Frankie's:

Frankie’s at Uptown Sports Club turns down the lights and turns up the old-school vibes. The night includes a greeting from a besuited maitre'd, steakhouse staples, and classic family-style sides. With formal service, complimentary crudites, and vintage cocktails, it's a step back in time. Reservations are required for this unique experience, where strangers might become friends.

(The "Frankie's Burger" features beef from Creekstone Farms, cured pork belly, fried onions, pickles, mayo, and Dijon.)