Three-time James Beard Best Chef: Southwest semifinalist and "Top Chef" contestant Chef John Tesar is expanding into Plano, Texas, with his newest concept, Knife Burger. Chef Tesar will bring his same trademark burgers he serves at Knife at The Highland Dallas to Legacy Hall, the food hall in the much-anticipated Legacy West currently under construction.

Knife Burger will offer a fast-casual approach for guests to enjoy many of the signature burgers Chef Tesar made famous at Knife at The Highland Dallas. His burgers have received numerous awards and accolades during the past two years including "The 10 Burgers You Must Eat This Year" by CNN and "Best Burgers in Dallas" by Zagat, D Magazine and most recently Texas Monthly. Tesar will continue to work exclusively with local, family-owned 44 Farms to provide quality, all-natural USDA prime angus beef. Seating, pickup and delivery will be available at Knife Burger at Legacy Hall scheduled to open in early fall of 2017.

"I couldn't be more excited to bring a taste of Knife to Plano with my award-winning burgers," says Chef Tesar. "We hope this will be the first of several other Knife Burgers opening in the next few years."

Tesar is a restaurateur and chef known for his stylish, modern American cuisine prepared with classic European techniques. His innovative culinary perspective and no-nonsense personality have garnered much acclaim throughout his 20-plus years in the restaurant industry, including national nods from Esquire (named to Best New Restaurants for two consecutive years) Food & Wine, New York Magazine and The New York Times, appearances on The Today Show, The Early Show and Esquire's "Restaurant Revolution" as well as winning the inaugural season of Food Network's "Extreme Chef." Tesar's current restaurants include Knife at The Highland Dallas, He is also working with Flatiron Books and Macmillan on a book, "Knife: Modern Steak and All American Meats," that will be published in spring 2017 in addition to a television show.