Durke’s Burger
Orange, Texas
1969

BREAKFAST 5 A.M.
Stephen’s parents built and operated two restaurants in Orange, while raising him and his brothers, Vernon and Larry. They owned and operated a sandwich shop outside the Livingston Shipyard for many years before opening Durke's Burger in 1969. His father was a full-time mechanic at DuPont, while his mother managed both businesses. Locals came to rely on the restaurant for burgers, fried chicken, ice cream and on Fridays, gumbo. Stephen and his brothers helped out from the time they were big enough to sweep floors. Like many family-business kids, they grew up knowing the value of working hard, doing things well and respecting and caring about customers. And they’re all great cooks.