Burri King owners trade retirement for new business

Longtime South Bend couple opens burger joint after leaving corporate jobs

Apr. 7, 2026 at 3:50am

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A high-quality studio photograph featuring a stack of juicy hamburger patties, crisp lettuce leaves, and a glass of lemonade arranged elegantly on a clean, white background, conveying the craftsmanship and care that goes into creating the perfect burger.The owners of Burri King have traded retirement for a new passion project, perfecting the art of the classic American burger.South Bend Today

After decades working corporate jobs, a South Bend couple has traded retirement plans for a new venture - opening a burger restaurant called Burri King in their hometown. The owners, who previously worked in manufacturing and finance, say they were inspired to start the business after the pandemic disrupted their plans to fully retire.

Why it matters

The story of the Burri King owners highlights the growing trend of retirees or near-retirees starting new businesses, often driven by a desire for purpose, flexibility, or to pursue a passion project after leaving traditional careers. It also reflects the economic shifts and entrepreneurial spirit emerging in the Midwest as communities like South Bend work to reinvent their local economies.

The details

Verena and Daniel Ray had planned to retire after long careers - Verena in manufacturing and Daniel in finance. But when the COVID-19 pandemic hit, it disrupted their retirement plans. Instead, the couple decided to open a new burger restaurant called Burri King in their hometown of South Bend. The Rays say they were inspired to start the business after enjoying cooking burgers together during the lockdowns. They spent months perfecting their burger recipe and developing the Burri King concept before opening the doors in March 2026.

  • The Rays had planned to retire before the COVID-19 pandemic hit in 2020.
  • The couple spent the lockdowns perfecting their burger recipe and Burri King concept.
  • Burri King opened its doors in South Bend in March 2026.

The players

Verena Ray

Previously worked in manufacturing and is now co-owner of Burri King.

Daniel Ray

Previously worked in finance and is now co-owner of Burri King.

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What they’re saying

“We had planned to fully retire, but the pandemic made us rethink our plans. Opening Burri King has given us a new sense of purpose and excitement.”

— Verena Ray, Co-owner, Burri King

“Cooking burgers together during lockdown sparked our creativity and passion for this new venture. We're thrilled to bring our signature burgers to the South Bend community.”

— Daniel Ray, Co-owner, Burri King

What’s next

The Rays plan to celebrate Burri King's grand opening with a community event on April 15, 2026, featuring live music, free samples, and giveaways.

The takeaway

The Burri King story exemplifies the growing trend of retirees and near-retirees finding new purpose by starting their own businesses, often driven by a passion project or a desire to stay active in their local communities. It also highlights South Bend's efforts to foster entrepreneurship and economic revitalization in the region.