Love at First Bite: The Bae’s Burgers Journey

Bae's Burgers - The Best Smashed Burgers on Earth
Bae's Burgers - The Best Smashed Burgers on Earth

Bae’s Burgers has joined the esteemed roster of LKNConnect’s Featured Businesses! Each Featured Business exemplifies exceptional service, unmatched quality, and a genuine commitment to the Lake Norman community. When you shop or dine with these trusted establishments, you’re not just supporting local businesses—you’re embracing excellence. Welcome to a dining experience you can truly savor with confidence!

LKNConnect's Featured Business Seal
LKNConnect’s Featured Business Seal

Bae’s Burgers – The Journey

Nestled in the heart of downtown Mooresville, Bae’s Burgers is more than just a spot to grab a bite—it’s a love story served with a side of fries. Owners Fabian and Claire have crafted something truly special, blending their passion for food, community, and each other into an unforgettable experience. Their slogan, “Love at First Bite,” isn’t just a clever tagline—it’s the secret sauce that’s made Bae’s Burgers a sensation in the Lake Norman area.

From Food Truck Fumbles to Culinary Triumph

Fabian and Claire’s story didn’t start with success. In fact, their first attempt at launching Bae’s Burgers in Miami was anything but love at first bite. The vibrant and competitive food scene in Miami proved to be more than they were ready for. Despite their best efforts, the food truck venture struggled to keep up, ultimately leading them to park the truck and reevaluate.

“Starting over at 40 was humbling,” Fabian shared, his voice filled with emotion. The couple returned to Lake Norman and went back to traditional jobs, saving every penny and dreaming of a second chance. And when they finally fired up the food truck again, this time in the Charlotte area, the reception was entirely different. North Carolinians couldn’t get enough of their flavorful smashburgers, and Bae’s Burgers was on its way to becoming a local legend.

Love at First Bite - Bae's Burgers
Love at First Bite – Bae’s Burgers

A Brick-and-Mortar Breakthrough

The leap from food truck to brick-and-mortar restaurant wasn’t easy. For a long time, finding the right location seemed like an impossible dream. Fabian recalls with tears in his eyes the moment that changed their story.

“I told the property owner, ‘I just need someone to take a chance on me,’” Fabian said. That’s exactly what happened. The owner of their current building in downtown Mooresville believed in their vision, and Bae’s Burgers finally had a home. The community welcomed them with open arms, and the love story continued.

Smashburgers That Stole the Show

If you’ve ever taken a bite of a Bae’s Burgers smashburger, you know the hype is real. Claire credits the incredible flavor to their unique blend of meats, carefully perfected over time. But anyone who’s had one knows there’s something more. Each burger is crafted with love and precision, grilled to crispy perfection on the outside while staying juicy inside. It’s no wonder these burgers have earned awards and loyal fans who drive hours to get their hands on one.

Smash Burgers that Stole the Show
Smashburgers that Stole the Show
Bae's Burgers and the Community of Lake Norman
Bae’s Burgers and the Community of Lake Norman

Love, Family, and Community

Bae’s Burgers isn’t just about food; it’s about family and community. Fabian and Claire started with the help of their parents, who pitched in to get the restaurant off the ground. Today, they’ve achieved a milestone many small business owners only dream of—retiring their parents and running Bae’s full-time.

Their love for the community runs deep. Regular customers are treated like family, and Fabian often talks to his staff about delivering “love at first bite” with every single burger. Recently featured on Chime Time, Bae’s has seen customers driving from as far as four hours away to experience their food. 

Community Support for Bae's Burgers
Community Support for Bae’s Burgers

Plans for the Future

With the first location thriving, Fabian and Claire are already dreaming of a second. Their journey from a food truck to a beloved local hotspot is proof that hard work, perseverance, and a whole lot of love can turn dreams into reality. And as their business grows, so does their love story—for each other, their craft, and the Lake Norman community.

 While the burgers and fries are indulgent, they’re also made with care and attention to detail. It’s food the way it’s meant to be—simple, delicious, and crafted with love. At Bae’s, you’re not just eating—you’re part of a love story that started with a dream and a food truck and became a Lake Norman legend being voted number one burger in the Nation by Enjoy Travel and check out the video from

 TikTok’s Mr. Chime Time:


Fabian and Claire’s journey is the heart of Bae’s Burgers. From their humble beginnings in Miami to the bustling streets of Mooresville, they’ve shown that with passion, persistence, and a lot of love, anything is possible. So the next time you’re in the area, stop by Bae’s and experience the magic for yourself. It’s not just a meal; it’s love at first bite.

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