Squeeze Inn to open in Yuba City

The Squeeze Inn, whose hamburgers won praise on national television from chef Guy Fieri as one of the two best burgers in America, plans on opening in Yuba City on Cooper Avenue near the Staples on Highway 20.

Eric Ostberg, who ran the Sonic Drive-in on Gray Avenue in Yuba City from 2006-09, owns the Squeeze Inn in West Sacramento and will be an owner of the new site at 968 Cooper Ave., said it's time for a Squeeze Inn here.

"We needed one," Ostberg. "I thought it would do very well."

"Yuba City has the usual suspects," Ostberg said of McDonald's and Burger King in the city.

Squeeze Inn serves a specialty hamburger with a $5.15 price listed on the menu of the corporate website.

"It's not fast-food," Ostberg said.

He hopes to have the site open in January. Indoor seating will be limited, but a large outdoor patio is planned.

Fieri hosts the show "Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives" on the Food Network. His praise for the Squeeze Inn came during an appearance with comedian Jay Leno, who asked Fieri where is the best hamburger in America.

"I know they're a big deal in Sacramento," said Councilman Tej Maan. "I've heard great things about it."

Councilman Kash Gill said the site will help the city.

"Anytime you can get a main brand," Gill said, "it's always a plus."

Darin Gale, economic development manager for Yuba City, said he expects residents to welcome the Squeeze Inn's arrival.

"When they open up, early on, they'll be a very long wait," Gale said.

He described the hamburger as large and juicy.

"It's definitely not for the vegetarians in our community," Gale said.

The Squeeze Inn menu on the company's website does include a $4.50 veggie burger.

Ostberg said Yuba City is ahead of Marysville in being business friendly. Marysville has stagnated itself, he said.

Squeeze Inn lists eight Northern California locations on its website, including outlets in Sacramento, Roseville and Vacaville.

CONTACT Ryan McCarthy at rmccarthy@appealdemocrat.com or 749-4780. Find him on Facebook at /ADrmccarthy or on Twitter at @ADrmccarthy.