Burger, Fries--but Hold the Fat

Hungry for a burger and fries but worried about loading up on calories and fat?

The people who run Topz, a fast-food chain that promotes itself as having “fresher, healthier fast food,” say they have the answer.

The 2-year-old Los Angeles-based chain will make its first foray into Orange County this spring with a restaurant in Tustin Marketplace.

Topz sells a health-food hamburger that has 10 grams of fat; the usual burger runs 30 to 45 grams. The beef is 6% lean, which the company says is the leanest possible. The company’s French fries also have about half the fat of fries at most other fast-food joints. Also on the menu are salads and smoothies.

Larry Sarokin, co-creator of the chain, said restaurants are also planned this year for Irvine and Aliso Viejo.

“We have plans to continue to grow and expand into new geographical areas,” Sarokin said. “It’s exciting to be establishing a presence in Orange County and to be able to provide residents with a new dining experience.”

Topz opened its first location in Sherman Oaks and has since expanded to West Hollywood and four other locations in Los Angeles County. The chain will also be opening a Glendale spot next month and one in Culver City this fall.