It’s only been three years since Twisted arrived on the Shreveport culinary scene. It has also become well known for its support of the local community.

“For me, it started with the restaurant just doing a ton of fund-raisers – that’s the best way I like to advertise,” said Grant Nuckolls, Shreveport native and proprietor/local franchisee for the Shreveport and Bossier City locations. “As a result, I’ve met a lot of people in the nonprofit sector, and I’ve been able to give back time as well.”

Nuckolls, who is also co-owner of Shreveport Magazine, sits on the board of the Renesting Project, Cohab, Boy Scouts of America Norwela Council and the Highland Area Partnership. Twisted Root is the title sponsor of HAP’s Highland Jazz & Blues Festival.

Nuckolls has also partnered with friends to create more fun events for Shreveport, including Shreveport Derby Day and Wheels in the Hills.

Founded in Dallas in 2005 by a pair of culinary school friends, Twisted Root Burger Co. first came to Nuckolls’ attention when he saw it featured on an episode of Guy Fieri’s show “Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives.” The next time Nuckolls went to Dallas, he took his family to eat there and loved it. “I always thought it would do really well in Shreveport-Bossier.”

So with no restaurant experience, he contacted the founders and learned the company from the ground up – from flipping burgers to working with the chief financial officer. At the end of that experience, he said he was ready to dive in.

The Shreveport location of Twisted Root Burger Co. opened in 2013 and was the chain’s first franchise. The July opening of the Bossier City store made Nuckolls the first multi-unit franchisee.

Nuckolls said the best part of owning the burger joint is being able to use the restaurant as an arm to give back and help non-profits and also as an extension of his hobby – music.

“What I’ve learned about the restaurant is it’s your job, career, your way to make a living, but you can also use it to fuel your passions and your hobbies and your giving back.”

– Melissa Airhart