FOOD SCENE
HUNTSVILLE ’ S BEST BURGER
Suraj Paikara built an emerging business from scratch using fresh produce
STORY & PHOTOS BY MICHELLE WULFSON
Initially when Suraj Paikara followed his dreams to revive a Huntsville classic in 2019 , he had visions of being the next Texas burger legend , and as business quickly boomed for Shorts Top Burgers , it seems that dream could certainly come true sooner , rather than later .
Nearly two years ago , Paikara turned his day job as cashier at the CITGO gas station off of Sycamore Avenue into a career , since opening Shorts Top Burgers in the remnants of the gas station ’ s original Short Stop eatery . Though the name pays homage to the past , Paikara isn ’ t looking back since his quick success .
“ Simple , but genius ,” reads the Shorts Top Burgers slogan above a modest menu of his signature burgers and fried chicken . Paikara doesn ’ t stray from what he does best , instead , he ’ s building on it .
Using sweet sourdough buns , fresh half pound beef patties and a build-your-own assortment of toppings , Shorts Top Burgers has unanimously been acclaimed as Huntsville ’ s best burger and will forever change the way you look at a gas station burger joint .
Paikara has been upping the ante on the Shorts Top menu , working with a chef in Houston over the course of six months to develop their own signature sauce for the restaurant .
8 | HUNTSVILLE LIVING | MAY-JUNE 2021