"Willy’s is reminiscent of classic, family-run roadside burger joints that used to line America’s highways, long before the rise of soulless fast-food chains near the interstates. A bright red metal carport shelters the trailer and a wooden picnic table, while another picnic table further back from the road is shaded by two vinyl Coca-Cola umbrellas. Altogether, there’s enough outdoor seating for about 12 to 16 people. At the far end of the lot, Willy’s provides a red porta-potty for its patrons. As fate would have it, just before we arrived, a short, disheveled woman in her 50s hurried out of her sedan and rushed to the counter. We overheard her hesitating before placing an $80 takeout order for 16 burgers, pulling out four crumpled $20 bills from her worn purse with an exaggerated sense of amazement—like something out of a child’s magic show. I didn’t applaud her performance. After she left, I leaned into the order window and remarked, “That’s quite a big order.”
Mark replied with a smile, “Sorry guys. It’ll take me about twenty minutes. I’m here alone, but my wife should be back soon.” I mentioned that Willy’s came highly recommended and assured him we didn’t mind waiting. While looking over the menu, I noticed that a cheeseburger costs $3.75, a double cheeseburger is $5, small fries are $2.50, and large fries are $4. A handwritten sign next to the order window advertised a deal called the 38 Special: a cheeseburger, small fries, and a 16 oz drink for just $7. Mark thanked us and went back to grilling, while we took our seats at the picnic table closest to the trailer.
The real magic began as the air filled with the enticing smoke of grilled meat and onions. A few minutes later, Jennifer Shehorn arrived and greeted us kindly as she entered the trailer. Together, they swiftly tackled the hefty order of 16 burgers, while Mark kept us updated through the screen door as our own order of two double bacon cheeseburgers and fries approached the grill. Our burgers arrived wrapped in paper, featuring sesame seed buns stuffed with two beef patties, thick strips of bacon, crisp iceberg lettuce, tomato, pickle slices, and a generous portion of grilled onions. The shoestring fries filled the rest of our basket. From where I sat, I noticed that the First Street brand hamburger patties and fries were frozen—an unpardonable sin in today’s culinary scene, where overpriced gourmet burgers dominate. Yet, therein lies the charm of Willy’s Burgers Bullets. From these humble frozen beginnings, Mark and Jennifer serve simple, delicious burgers and fries with satisfying flavor and texture, all from a kitchen no larger than two adjacent phone booths.
Willy’s fills a significant community need, located right across from Sweed Machinery. We watched welders and machinists cross Second Avenue to order hamburgers and hot dogs; we saw a young married couple enjoying lunch with their preschool-aged son under a patio umbrella; and at our table’s end, we witnessed two white-bearded men pause to say grace before eating their cheeseburgers. Willy’s is truly a local treasure. We finished our burgers and ate as many fries as we could before giving up. As I cleared our table, I asked Mark why there was no restaurant sign posted on I-5. He explained, “We tried, but the state won’t approve us. They only allow restaurants that have indoor seating or at least a 10-car parking lot.” That’s unfortunate. There’s no reason Willy’s Burgers Bullets should remain a secret known only to locals. Don’t let bureaucratic nonsense keep you from taking Gold Hill Exit 40. For burger lovers, Willy’s offers fantastic customer service and good, old-fashioned burgers that are tasty, filling, and affordable. By the way, I took plenty of pictures, including the menu board and the outdoor seating area. Enjoy!"