HOUSTON RAP ICON Bun B is launching a new pop-up burger concept this August. Trill Burgers will feature a simple menu of "smashburgers," the style of thin and crispy-edged burgers that have been trending lately in California.

"For years I've been fascinated with the culinary scene, trying to find the best entry point for me," Bun B said on Instagram. "Today I can say I've found it. Join me in welcoming [Trill Burgers] to the world! Follow us for more info on our next pop ups and watch as we take you on the burger ride of your life! Brick and mortar coming soon!"

Trill Burgers, which will host its first popup at Sticky's Chicken (2311 Edwards St.) this August, will be Bun B's first restaurant venture. In the enterprise, he will work closely with Andy Nguyen, who has 10 successful restaurant concepts under his belt in California. Nguyen is also a partner at Houston's ever-popular Sticky's Chicken, which opened its own brick-and-mortar location back in 2019 after dominating Houston's food truck scene for some time. Bun B is a longtime supporter of Sticky's, which counts among its fans celebrities like NFL star DeAndre Hopkins and NBA champion PJ Tucker.

Oklahoma-style smashburger with cheese and grilled onions (photo by Trish Badger)

"Coming out of the pandemic, we were brainstorming ghost kitchen and pop-up ideas with Andy, and he kept coming back to the concept of smashed burgers," said Patsy Vivares, who will lead culinary operations for the new burger venture alongside her brother Benson Vivares, in a release. "I can't believe it's really happening!"