Zul’s Smash Burgers and The Convenient Store, on Highway 80 northeast of Mineola, opened in November. It’s the one with a bold yellow façade, cute outdoor seating, and a little sign that reads the name of the business. 

What is it? Well, owners Ruby and Zul Meghji are still trying to figure that out. They want it to be something that serves the community and keeps their little family going – something that people enjoy and want to come back to.

So far, community members say they’re succeeding.

The couple came to America from Pakistan in 1982. They lived in Dallas first, but 25 years ago, they moved to Grand Saline; there they owned and operated a convenience store and gas station for many years. However, the couple decided recently that it was time to retire, so they bought a property in Mineola, where they felt happier.

They found a house they liked out on Highway 80. However, Ruby says that the couple was told they also had to purchase the old mechanic’s shop on the lot if they wanted to buy the house. They bought both, and soon started doing repairs on both the house and the empty shop. Then, Ruby had an idea.

“After we retired, I said, ‘No, everything is getting expensive; we have to get back to work,’” said Ruby.

So, the couple decided to switch directions.

“We said, ‘Okay, this place is just empty.’ And he likes to cook food and everything, so I said, ‘Why don’t you start that (restaurant)?’ And he said, ‘Okay, why don’t you start this (convenience store)?’ So, we just gave each other the idea,” Ruby said.

They had never owned a restaurant before, but it was as simple as this: Zul liked cooking, Ruby had experience in operating a convenience store, and the couple had a big empty building on their new property that they didn’t know what to do with.

So, Zul’s Smash Burgers, and The Convenient Store, were born.

“We said, ‘Why don’t we just start here, see if we can help these people out? We need help too,” Ruby said.

It sounds like it was an overnight process, but in reality, starting their business took the family (who still work together to make their business work – both parents and all three children) a long time. Zul tried cooking some burgers, then started learning sauce making; his next year was spent in perfecting his burger cooking. At the same time, Ruby started figuring out what she wanted in her convenience store. They had to do renovations, do the ordering, and get permits.

After hard work and preparation, the store opened for business on Nov. 28, 2025. Ruby owns the convenience store, and Zul owns the restaurant. The family says they enjoy what they do.

“So far, so good!” said Zul.

What does the future hold for Zul’s Smash Burgers and The Convenient Store?

Well, for one thing, as summer comes, Zul’s will feature some serious air conditioning. Ruby says that “people don’t like outdoor” seating during the summer, what with the heat, mosquitoes, heat, and heat (did we mention the heat?).

Zul’s will also continue to feature mouthwatering items on its menu, which features things like loaded fries (loaded with a chopped beef patty, queso, grilled onions, sauce, jalapenos, and bacon), jalapeno poppers, onion rings, and – of course – several different kinds of smash burger. They’ve also got fountain drinks, milkshakes, and iced tea.

The Convenient Store sells a little bit of everything, too, from medicine to milk to chips, keychains, ice cream or drinks.

From the store to the restaurant, customers seem to love the place, said Ruby. They’ve gotten many compliments.

“Oh, everybody loves it,” Ruby said. “No complaints!”

“It’s delicious,” agreed first-time customer Jason Ormiston. 

Ormiston happened to go to the restaurant to kill some time. However, he’s decided that it won’t be a one-time experience: after eating his patty melt with wide eyes and a smile, Ormiston says he’ll be back.

“It’s good. It’s grilled rye, grilled onions, two patties, pepperjack cheese… you gotta try it,” said Ormiston. 

Every item on the Zul’s Smash Burgers menu is less than $20.

Mineola citizens seem to know how they feel about Zul’s Smash Burgers and The Convenient Store; but how do Zul and Ruby feel about Mineola?

“I like Mineola,” said Zul. “Good people… good people.”