With all this talk about borders and walls, perhaps it is time to also discuss not just national borders, but also state ones as well.

To begin with an easy one, perhaps it is time to let Maine be re-absorbed by Massachusetts. After all, Roger Berkowitz takes most of the lobster anyway and who wouldn’t want to have the natural beauty of Acadia and Ogunquit to claim as their own?

Fortunately, it seems that steps are already afoot to recoronate the former king of New England.  In addition to the recent “immigration” of Eventide Oyster Co., the Babson-born brotherly burger biz known as Mainely Burgers (www.mainelyburgers.com) has not only come back to the Bay State but has recently doubled the size of its empire by adding a second store in Boston Landing right across from the New Balance complex to their already popular place in Cambridge’s foodie-friendly Central Square.

Raised in a food-manufacturing family, Jack and Max Barber had the background and business savvy to make their way from a food truck to fooderies. Even as they continue to grow, however their Maine roots remain strong. In addition to offering Maine-based produce (with a bit of Buffalo and New Orleans thrown in to literally ad some spice), the brothers remain dedicated to customer service.

As far as what they serve, the menu ranges from fresh-ground Chuck burgers to an all-natural handmade veggie option or house-marinated chicken breast, any of which can be served on a pillowy bun or in a bowl and come with such top topping choices as pickled red onions, fried eggs, Thai mayo, amazing pickles, and/or their famed House Sauce. Their maple mayo is another nod to their northern roots and one that is sure to catch on down south as well. Despite the name, Mainely also serves hot dogs and salads. Among the savory sides are hand-cut fries  (plain, truffle or cacio e pepewith fresh-grated Parmesan and cracked pepper) and a garlicky Buffalo cauliflower that wakes up your taste buds! To wash it all down, Mainely offers native sons like Maine Root beverages and Newton’s own Spjndrift soda.

So whether you like to eat Down East or off Rt 90 East, Mainely Burgers has flavors that can bring people and even entire states together. Go see what the border-busting burger brouhaha is all about!

The new Mainely Burgers will officially open December 13, 2018.