After nearly 20 years in the restaurant business, Tony Halder decided it was time to open his own place. He had worked at a burger joint for 18 years, so when it came time to own one – Xtreme Burger – he started with “A” and opened a place in Antioch.

The Walnut Creek resident said he hopes to open his next venture in Brentwood, and then move on to Concord and go from there.

It’s a unique plan, especially since Halder originally wanted to be a dental technician. He came to the United States in 1990 and worked at Nation’s Giant Hamburgers in Pleasant Hill to pay for college. After graduation, the Bangladesh immigrant realized the dentistry job market wasn’t looking for dental technicians at the time, so he stuck around Nation’s and was promoted to manager at age 19. He held the position 17 years before he decided it was time to move on.

“It was the first job I ever had, and I kept it for 18 years,” Halder said. “My family used to tease me, saying that I would retire with the same job I started with.”

While managing Nation’s, Halder opened a pizza parlor, but dreamed of a burger place to call his own. In 2008, his vision became reality as Xtreme Burger welcomed the masses, seeking a new spin on hamburgers.

The signature Xtreme Burger is a two-patty affair loaded with extra cheese, onions, lettuce, tomato and a special sauce. The burger weighs in around 20 ounces, a little more than a pound.

“It’s a big burger,” Halder said. “It’s too big for me to eat. I don’t know how people manage to open their mouths that wide to take a bite, but they seem to enjoy it.”

For those seeking a healthier option requiring smaller bites, Xtreme Burger offers lettuce wraps, garden burgers and salads, so there’s something for everyone.

While the service is fast, Xtreme Burger isn’t your typical fast-food restaurant. You place your order at the counter, but a server brings your meal once you’ve settled at one of the cozy tables.

Unlike most restaurants, breakfast is served all day. Halder said the latest addition to the breakfast menu, the New York steak breakfast, has become a favorite with his regulars, but he can’t take credit for the idea. It was actually something his kids suggested.

“I have two sons – one is 10 and the youngest is 5 – and I test everything out on them because I know they’ll give me an honest answer. They came up with the New York steak idea. They came up with a big breakfast.”

Following the trend of Xtreme meals, customers who order the New York steak breakfast get a 6-ounce steak, along with two eggs, a side of hash browns and toast – all for $7.99.

Halder said he prides himself on the low prices. While the cost of ingredients has increased and family incomes have shrunk, Halder has refused to raise his prices. “I want to provide for my customers,” he said. “I’m stressed when my customers are stressed, because I want them to be able to come in and enjoy their meal without worrying about the cost. I want this to be a family place, and I keep the prices low so that families can come here for a meal.”

Halder said he credits his low prices and flavorful food to the recent attention he’s received outside the restaurant. “I’ll go to the bank, and someone will call out, ‘Hey, it’s the Xtreme Man.’” Halder said. “It’s a little embarrassing, but so flattering. I love talking with the customers to see what they think of the food and what I can do to make their experience more enjoyable. The customers are like my family.”

Xtreme Burger, open daily from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m., is located at 4045 Lone Tree Way (next to Starbucks at the Blue Rock Center) in Antioch. For more information, call 925-777-1502.