Courtney Coleman | Banner Allison Schooley, department secretary, Chris Hofschroer, assistant dean of students, Sam Cannon, program coordinator of outdoor adventures, and Kristin Waters, director of campus activities, enjoy a meal at The Habit during their lunch break. The menu features items such as specialty hamburgers and sides, as well as shakes and malts.
The Habit burger franchise has joined the Inland Empire restaurant scene with its newest location in Riverside as of August, featuring a unique menu and a lively atmosphere.
The restaurant is located at the Riverside Plaza and occupies a building known for housing struggling businesses, despite the consumer traffic in the area.
Prior to its newest installation at the Plaza, the space The Habit now occupies was the Citrus City Grille and the Mazz Bar & Grill, which closed in 2011 and 2013, respectively.
The spot’s reputation for bad luck is no deterrent for The Habit, and the restaurant is already drawing attention and a steady crowd of customers.
“There was a lot of hype for The Habit so I was expecting a lot and it definitely lived up to it,” said Kristin Waters, director of campus activities at the Community Life Office. “I went with the classic burger for the first visit, but am excited to try something new. The customer service was excellent; I will for sure be back.”
The restaurant is known for its signature charburger, as well as its community involvement.
The Riverside store aided charities such as Meals on Wheels, Habitat for Humanity, Feeding America, and the Boy Scouts of America before officially opening its doors.
The Habit hosted private fundraisers where participants were able to try the menu out before the grand opening. All proceeds from food sales at the store went directly to the organizations in order to provide assistance and build a strong relationship with the community.
“I had not heard much about the restaurant and did not know what to expect,” said Allison Schooley, department secretary for the Community Life Office. “The service was thorough and the food was great. It is an inviting and casual spot.”
The franchise prides itself on quality, fresh ingredients, whether it is cooking their fries, onion rings and sweet potato fries in soybean oil or cutting all of the lettuce, onions and tomatoes topping their sandwiches daily.
“The Habit is definitely a quality burger,” said Chris Hofschroer, assistant dean of students. “(The food) was fresh, flavorful and affordable. I’m sure I will be back.”
