Square One Development LLC, Sarasota

Bill Shumate's career as a restaurateur began in 1964 when he opened a small burger restaurant that catered to the hearty appetites of University of Oklahoma students. After spending the next several decades opening and operating eateries, Shumate decided that his next venture should somehow honor his burger roots. He partnered with Joanie Corneil in 2006 and developed a concept choosing the name Square 1 to reflect this full-circle journey. Though unlike that original restaurant, Square 1 has grown over the years, eventually expanding to several locations throughout west central Florida.

Although the concept was intended to be a return to basics, Square 1 isn't constrained by traditional conventions. Hand-pattied all-natural, antibiotic- and hormone-free angus, Kobe, lamb, buffalo, and portobello mushroom all appear between the buns, providing a wealth of options to consider before even thinking about toppings. This eclectic spirit is also apparent in the menu's selection of appetizers, which includes everything from Spicy Egg Rolls to house-made double-dipped onion rings. Even the milkshakes seem like faithful renditions of an American classic at first. However, the grown-up versions with Old Forester or Jack Daniels Tennessee Fire continue to demonstrate Square 1's playful spirit.