DES MOINES, Iowa -- Chef George Formaro announced plans Friday to open Zombie Burger + Drink Lab in the East Village part of downtown Des Moines.

The new restaurant will open in the e300 building at East 4th Street and Grand Avenue. It will serve lunch, dinner and late-night foods seven days a week.
"Glee Burger didnt sound cool to me, said Formaro. We have serious restaurants. Its time to be playful."
Formaro said he's been a fan of horror movies his whole life.
"If I wasnt a chef, Id be a horror movie makeup artist, said Formaro. These films have been my form of relaxation for years.
The restaurant will be divided in two, a full- and quick-service area. Drink Lab will feature a "sinful menu and full bar." A large patio will also be available along Grand Avenue for zombies who prefer to dine al fresco. :arrow:
Formaro's "bashed" burger will be a new, top-secret blend of beef for the patty that will be smashed onto a flat-top griddle to achieve a caramelized crust that intensifies the flavor.
"Ive worked on this new bun recipe for years and Im in love with it, explains Formaro. Its a soft, pillowy nod to the burgers of my childhood and I havent been this excited about something since the coal oven at Centro, said Formaro.
A wide variety of milk shakes is also planned.
"Our milk shake menu is going to have a ton of crazy flavor combinations. Were going to be the Willy Wonka of milk shakes, said Formaro.
The restaurant is planning to open in August.