BIRD IS THE WORD: ZOMBIE BURGER EVOLVES INTO “ZOMBIE BURGER + BIRD.”

The “GOREmet” Eatery Kicks Off Its 15th Year with a Refreshed Identity and Expanded Fried Chicken Menu

Des Moines, IA – After fifteen years of feeding the hordes in Des Moines’s Historic East Village, the local institution formerly known as “Zombie Burger + Drink Lab” is relaunching today as “Zombie Burger + Bird.”

More than just a name change, the rebrand signals a menu evolution. While the restaurant remains home to legendary GOREmet burgers and hand-mixed shakes, the new name puts a spotlight on the kitchen’s rapidly growing grilled and fried chicken program.

“Zombie Burger has always been a place for culinary experimentation,” said co-owner Chef George Formaro. “From creative combinations and toppings to five unique patties for both meat-eaters and vegans alike, Zombie Burger’s menu reflects my fixation on flavor. With our chicken offerings gaining as much recognition as our burgers, this name change isn’t just a rebrand… it’s a reflection of what our guests crave.”

What’s changing? While the “Drink Lab” was a key piece of the opening concept, Zombie Burger’s wildly popular food menu has transformed Des Moines dining over the past fifteen years. The expanded “Bird” menu grows from a handful of chicken offerings to a powerhouse poultry lineup, including:

• Nine unique chicken sandwiches featuring Zombie Burger’s signature chef-driven style,
• Hand-breaded chicken strips, golden-fried nuggets and crispy, battered wings,
• Plus an array of new appetizers and refined classic cocktails to round out the offerings.

“We’ve been discussing this change for a long time,” added co-owner Paul Rottenberg. “Our food menu has evolved significantly over the last decade and a half. As our chicken program hit its stride, the ‘Zombie Burger + Bird’ identity felt like the natural next step for the brand.”

Guests can rest assured that the “post-apocalyptic chic” atmosphere and the signature custom three-cut beef burger blend remain untouched. The rebrand instead formalizes the restaurant’s commitment to being a dual-threat destination for both elite burgers and exceptional chicken.

“I hope that our guests will be inspired to discover new flavors that are rooted in history,” said Chef Formaro. “From our old-school chicken breading and battering to our throwback sesame bun, we’re combining traditional techniques with a modern sensibility and a little bit of theatrical flair.”

Zombie Burger + Bird is open daily at 11am; closing Sunday – Thursday at 9pm and Friday and Saturday at 10pm.

Follow Zombie Burger on Facebook, Instagram and TikTok (@ZombieBurgerDM) or visit www.zombieburgerdm.com.