Murray Wishengrad founded The Stand in 2003 and added son Jason to the mix the following year. In the early years, the family-run restaurant group focused on a nod to American classics like hot dogs and hamburgers. The Stand has taken a recent turn toward the future at a Northridge branch that features a more contemporary look at Collection at Terrena and complements their increasingly modern food.

Jason says, “We still love American classics at the core, but we wanted to create items unique to us that people want to talk about.” Menus at every location, including Northridge and Encino, now include new items like a porchetta sandwich, “ultimate egg” burger, sesame kale salad and apple slaw turkey burger. In Northridge they also list seasonal specials on an auxiliary LED board, which recently featured tahini broccolini and a French onion soup burger featuring many elements found in a classic French onion soup, served with onion soup au jus.

Jason described the widespread appeal of the bulked-up menu, saying, “One of the things we want to do is take out the ‘No’ vote when you go out to eat.” Now, given all the new options, “Mom can get a gourmet salad, Dad can get a burger and a beer, and kids can get a kids menu for $4.75.”

The Stand’s classic look in Encino will remain intact, with the new look in evidence in Northridge and upcoming branches. The Stand is slotted to grow to 15 locations in the next five years. The Stand Northridge resides at the base of a sleek, mixed-use development down Plummer Avenue from Northridge Fashion Center. A steel fenced patio gives way to a dining room with wood tables, booths, a Carrera marble high-top with orange stools and shuffleboard table. Order at the counter from LED menus, passing grab-and-go cookies and brownies and 20 taps (16 beer, 4 wine).

19600 Plummer St., Northridge, 818-709-3820