Wichita restaurateur adding a second concept, this one focused on smash burgers

He opened a stylish sandwich shop called Red Bird two years ago in Normandie Center, at Central and Woodlawn.

Now, Sebastian Gordon’s Red Bird is getting a Black Bird friend.

Gordon said Tuesday that he’s taking over the building at 5510 E. Central that used to be home to Chick N Max and will use it as a home for a new concept he’ll call Black Bird Burger. The restaurant, which he hopes to have open by spring, will serve smash burgers that will come with curly fries or sweet potato waffle fries.

His partners in the business are his Red Bird kitchen manager, Matt Edwards, and his wife, Ashley.

Gordon, who before opening Red Bird was a long-time manager at Dempsey’s Burger Pub, said he’s been planning his burger concept for at least a year. His burgers will be made with beef sourced from Wichita Wagyu, and customers will be able to get single, double or triple burgers.

Each burger will have its own toppings. Gordon said he’s been testing burgers as Saturday specials at Red Bird to see which ones customers like. He’s narrowed it down to six so far and will probably offer a monthly special as well, he said. Just like at Red Bird, each of the menu items will be named for a bird.

One of the burgers he’s most excited about is the Cedar Waxwing, which is topped with jalapeno jam, pepper jack cheese, aioli and bacon on a brioche bun. There’s also the Black Bird, topped with barbecue sauce, pickles, fried onions, smoked cheddar and bacon on a brioche bun.

Customers will order at the counter, and Gordon also plans to utilize the drive-through already in the building, which once operated as a Wendy’s. Black Bird Burger will also have a bar serving beer, wine and a few house cocktails.

“Wichita embraces a lot of burger places,” Gordon said, pointing out that the Freddy’s Frozen Custard & Steakburgers chain started in Wichita. “...We’re just trying to add to the list.”

This story was originally published December 2, 2025 at 2:17 PM.

Denise Neil

The Wichita Eagle

316-268-6327

Denise Neil has covered restaurants and entertainment since 1997. Her Dining with Denise Facebook page is the go-to place for diners to get information about local restaurants. She’s a regular judge at local food competitions and speaks to groups all over Wichita about dining.