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College Baseball Player Opening New Burger Joint In Bergen County

A Rockland County favorite is set to bring its signature, back-to-basics burgers to Bergen County.

The Filling Station (TFS) Burger Works will open its first New Jersey location in Westwood, aiming for a grand opening in March, according to an announcement shared on Instagram. Known for its nostalgic charm and flavorful offerings, TFS already operates two popular locations along Route 9W in Rockland County.

The Westwood location will be managed by 22-year-old Old Tappan native Jake Braet. A former multi-sport athlete and lifelong burger enthusiast, Braet has a personal connection to TFS. His love for the eatery began when he was just nine years old, during a visit to the original location in Palisades, housed in a retrofitted gas station, after basketball practice with one of his teammate's families.

"They call your name, it’s summer, you’re surrounded by woods and trees—it’s a completely different experience than most restaurants," Braet recalled. "It's just a different experience than most restaurants."

Jake Braet
Jake Braet

And the food made a lasting impression. “The burger was thick, juicy, and full of flavor,” he added.

Braet’s journey to running the new TFS location began after high school. He attended Muhlenberg College, where he majored in finance and minored in innovation and entrepreneurship, all while playing as a catcher and shortstop for the baseball team. Brae says he always knew he wanted to have a business of his own.

"I wanted to be the first one to bring a filling station to New Jersey," Braet said.

Now, he is.

The new location will resemble TFS Burger Works’ West Haverstraw, NY spot, featuring a fast-casual, retail-style concept.

“Burgers are one of my favorite foods,” Braet shared. “Being able to provide that kind of burger and experience to others makes me genuinely happy.”

TFS Burger Works prides itself on simplicity and quality, harkening back to a time when food was more natural and less processed, its website says. “Our hamburgers are all-natural—no hormones, no antibiotics. Our fries are fresh-cut and double-fried, our hot dogs are made with black Angus beef, and even our Coke comes in glass bottles made with pure cane sugar." “Everything is served just the way you remember from your childhood: bold, juicy, and flavorful with attitude.”

TFS Burger Works will be located at 273 Center Ave., in Westwood.

Jake Braet

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