Toula Christakos perfected her chip seasoning and patties over two years at Mocha Jo’s in Glen Waverley, which is owned by her niece and nephew, Christo Christophidis and his sister Lisa Slaughter (the pair also owns Ripponlea Food and Wine).

The 20-seater version of Mocha Jo’s at the base of Ripponlea station is a more compact incarnation of the original. The fit-out was inspired by American-style diners. White rectangular tiles line the walls, red trim encases the windows, and a wooden booth stretches along one side of the space. Outside, there’s ample seating under the Art Deco-style building’s candy-stripe awnings.

The menu borrows from the US, too. The Tennessee Truffle is a 600-day grain-fed Wagyu beef burger with American cheese and truffle mayo; The Southern Cali comprises two deep-fried chicken fillets, bourbon bacon jam and chipotle mayo; and The Vegas Vegan is a sweet potato and veggie pattie with chipotle coconut yoghurt. A side of popcorn chicken arrives drizzled in Sriracha mayo, one of the many house-made sauces.

Christophidis uses traditional milk buns (rather than brioche) for his burgers; they’re from an undisclosed Glen Waverley baker.

A waffle sandwich with toasted marshmallows and Nutella is a highlight of the dessert menu. There’s also a classic hot-jam doughnut generously dusted in sugar. Shakes are thickened with Frosty Boy soft serve and can be “loaded” with Oreo crumble, or Nutella and hazelnut praline.