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The first sign that the new Red Robin in Cumming is a hot place is in the parking lot. There are few spots to be found on a Friday night, and the crowd of diners waiting for tables is already out on the sidewalk. Inside, it's choreographed commotion, with the waiting area, bar seats and just about every booth filled.

So what's the attraction? Maybe diners at the free-standing restaurant on the edge of the new Avenue Forsyth have heard about the big burgers and shakes from the other Red Robins in Lawrenceville and Newnan. Maybe they've got kids in tow who want to meet the Red Robin mascot as he makes his way through the dining room. Or maybe they want to check out the signature "royal burger," topped with a fried egg, bacon and cheese.

Phil Skinner/AJC (ENLARGE)
Among the non-burger 'burgers' is the Whiskey River BBQ chicken sandwich, served here with a Hawaiian Heart Throb smoothie.
Phil Skinner/AJC (ENLARGE)
The signature appetizer is a tower of onion rings – 13 fried rounds (count 'em) piled on a skewer and delivered with two dipping sauces. If that's too heavy for you, try the soup.
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"Even at 7:30 at night, we sell quite a few of those," said assistant general manager James Barksdale with a laugh. "People are also going for the good, old-fashioned milk shakes in vanilla, chocolate and strawberry."

The Colorado-based company has put together a menu that will appeal to a range of appetites and ages, with prices that stay below $12. "Our sandwiches and burgers come with bottomless fries and there are unlimited beverages, so we have a good value for the economy right now," Barksdale said.

Burgers and beyond

Burgers do take up a chunk of the menu. There are the classic beef burgers, starting with the aforementioned royal version, and patties covered with mushrooms, barbecue sauce, blue cheese, guacamole, pineapple and pepperoni. Open wide for the Monster, two patties with cheese and all the fixings; or spice things up with the Santa Fe, covered with poblano peppers, onions, tortilla strips and pepperjack cheese. Lighter "burgers" include chicken patties topped with cheese, barbecue sauce or Jamaican jerk spices. More "burger" options: grilled salmon on a bun, grilled turkey, fried fish, pork and veggies only.

Beef also shows up in the appetizer list, with cheeseburger con queso dip and chili nachos. The signature starter is a tower of onion rings, 13 fried rounds piled on a skewer and served with two dipping sauces. Other openers include clam chowder, chicken tortilla soup, French onion soup, chili, quesadillas and wraps.

Beyond burgers, guests will find a prime rib dip sandwich, several salads and pastas. Shrimp, cod and chicken platters are deep fried. There's also a grilled chicken platter with Mexican spices and a rice bowl with teriyaki chicken and Asian veggies. Kids have their own menu, with smaller burgers, chicken fingers, pizza, spaghetti, mac and cheese, grilled cheese and hot dogs.

The dessert list is short, but the portions are huge. Pick from a hot fudge sundae, apple crisp or mud pie.

From the bar

There are eight beers on tap, including several local brews, and nine in bottles. A limited wine list features five by the glass. But the real beverage stars are the nonalcoholic concoctions: the freckled lemonade, made with strawberries and lemonade; a raspberry or blueberry and pomegranate limeade; several fruit smoothies; and a full line of shakes and malts.