Introducing the Smashing Mickey: A Smashburger with a Big Heart!
Introducing the Smashing Mickey—a classic smashburger, available starting Wednesday, Nov. 5, 2025, with $2 from every burger sold supporting the NC State University Theatre, through Wednesday, Dec. 31, 2025!
Think Back to 1951…
Players Retreat first opened its doors on Feb. 27, 1951. Back then, there were no charcoal grills in restaurants—just a trusty flat top—and the current owner, Gus Gusler, was behind it as a cook. Burgers were smashed thin with a grill press so they’d cook fast and crisp around the edges, creating what we’d now call a “smashburger.” At the time, PR was owned by Bernie and Mickey Hanula. Years later, when the restaurant upgraded to a gas-powered charcoal grill, everything changed. Burgers could finally be thicker, juicier, and even more flavorful—but the charm of that original thin, perfectly smashed burger never faded. Over the decades, our smashburger has made several comebacks as a “Burger of the Week”—a delicious nod to PR’s roots and a fan favorite every time.
Now, let’s head back to the 1950s…
Mickey Hanula: A Smashing Personality
Bernie and Mickey Hanula were the original owners of the PR. Bernie entertained everyone, while Mickey ran the place with energy, warmth, and style. She had a “smashing personality” and was a major supporter of the NC State University Theatre.
Fun fact: the “Players” in Players Retreat doesn’t refer to athletes—it’s a nod to theater performers at NCSU who made the PR their post-show hangout. For decades, the Bernie Burger has been a menu legend, but Mickey never had a burger named after her—until now.
Introducing the Smashing Mickey
As we gear up to celebrate nearly 75 years of PR history, we’re thrilled to announce the newest addition to our menu: the Smashing Mickey. This classic smashburger is cooked just like we did in 1951—crispy edges, juicy center, perfectly seasoned—and a true taste of PR tradition. Starting Wednesday, Nov. 5, 2025, the Smashing Mickey will be one of our weekly sandwich specials and will join the regular menu the following week.
Eat a Burger, Support Local Theater
In honor of Mickey Hanula, Players Retreat will donate $2 from every Smashing Mickey sold through Wednesday, Dec. 31, 2025, to the NC State University Theatre. It’s the perfect way to enjoy a burger, celebrate our history, and support the arts all at once.
Come taste history. Come smash a burger the way it was meant to be.
About the NC State University Theatre
Image from NC State University Theatre Facebook Page
Since the 1960s, University Theatre has been NC State’s open access theatre company, serving the entire student body. Under the direction of a full-time professional staff, they produce five major shows each season: three in the Producing Series and two in the summer TheatreFEST series. Additionally, they produce a Studio Series.
University Theatre offers a blend of volunteer student productions and academic theatre training. Productions are open to all NC State students, regardless of major or whether or not they are enrolled in theatre courses. Their mission is to create an inclusive, student-centered community that inspires meaningful connections grounded in the experience of making and sharing theatre.
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[…] $2 from every Smashing Mickey sold will be donated to the NC State University Theatre in Mickey’s honor—available through Wednesday, Dec. 31, 2025. Learn more here. […]