Burgers with a Side of Jesus: Jesus Burger Cal Poly

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BY: ROMAN NORAVIAN

Walking across the yakʔitʸutʸu quad at 6 p.m. on Jan. 31, it was hard to ignore the buzz of activity–and delicious smells–coming from the communal grills outside of the elewexe residence hall.

People were here for Jesus Burgers, a group that cooks up and distributes free burgers to students every other Friday from 6 to 9 p.m., according to its Instagram. The group, which is run by current Cal Poly students and a few outside helpers, is not affiliated with the popular Jesus Burgers in Isla Vista.

"The heart behind [Jesus Burgers] is to bring people together for some free food and then share the gospel with them," said Nicholas Mayton, a fifth-year construction management major at Cal Poly.

According to Mayton, Jesus Burgers was started a year and a half ago. The funds for the burgers came from one of his friends, who got the money from offerings collected at a house church he used to run. 

In addition to free food, Jesus Burgers provides students with a place to talk about religion on campus.

“Even people who aren't religious come, get a burger, and then we ask them about Jesus and we have great discussions,” Mayton said while taking a break from twirling a sign advertising the free food. “[It’s] been really positive vibes.”

Cal Poly fifth-year Nicholas Mayton holds up a sign advertising free burgers on Jan. 31, 2025. Jesus Burgers can be found at the yakʔitʸutʸu quad every other Friday from 6 to 9 p.m.
Cal Poly fifth-year Nicholas Mayton holds up a sign advertising free burgers on Jan. 31, 2025. Jesus Burgers can be found at the yakʔitʸutʸu quad every other Friday from 6 to 9 p.m.
          
A grill worker generously seasons burgers on one of yakʔitʸutʸu’s communal grills.
A grill worker generously seasons burger on one of yakʔitʸutʸu's communal grills.

A group of students share a conversation while enjoying their burgers.


A student chows down on a burger from Jesus Burgers on Jan. 31, 2025
A student chows down on a burger from Jesus Burgers.


Burgers sit on one of yakʔitʸutʸu’s communal grills.
Burgers sit on one of yakʔitʸutʸu’s communal grills.

A student picks out toppings to craft the perfect burger.
A student picks out toppings to craft the perfect burger.


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