![“[Building nerf blasters] became this outlet of creativity for me that hasn't been matched by anything else. The process [of] making a build complete to your desire is such a painstakingly difficult process, but I've had to learn from [the skills needed from] soldering to proper painting. There's so many different options for everything, if you think about it, it exists. The best part is [that] if it doesn't exist, you can build it yourself," Ishaan Parate said.](https://harkeraquila.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/DSC_8149-900x604.jpg)
![“When I came into high school, I was ready to be a follower. But DECA was a game changer for me. It helped me overcome my fear of public speaking, and it's played such a major role in who I've become today. To be able to successfully lead a chapter of 150 students, an officer team and be one of the upperclassmen I once really admired is something I'm [really] proud of,” Anvitha Tummala ('21) said.](https://harkeraquila.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/Screen-Shot-2021-07-25-at-9.50.05-AM-900x594.png)
![“I think getting up in the morning and having a sense of purpose [is exciting]. I think without a certain amount of drive, life is kind of obsolete and mundane, and I think having that every single day is what makes each day unique and kind of makes life exciting,” Neymika Jain (12) said.](https://harkeraquila.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/06/Screen-Shot-2017-06-03-at-4.54.16-PM.png)
![“My slogan is ‘slow feet, don’t eat, and I’m hungry.’ You need to run fast to get where you are–you aren't going to get those championships if you aren't fast,” Angel Cervantes (12) said. “I want to do well in school on my tests and in track and win championships for my team. I live by that, [and] I can do that anywhere: in the classroom or on the field.”](https://harkeraquila.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/DSC5146-900x601.jpg)
![“[Volleyball has] taught me how to fall correctly, and another thing it taught is that you don’t have to be the best at something to be good at it. If you just hit the ball in a smart way, then it still scores points and you’re good at it. You could be a background player and still make a much bigger impact on the team than you would think,” Anya Gert (’20) said.](https://harkeraquila.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/AnnaGert_JinTuan_HoHPhotoEdited-600x900.jpeg)
![“I'm not nearly there yet, but [my confidence has] definitely been getting better since I was pretty shy and timid coming into Harker my freshman year. I know that there's a lot of people that are really confident in what they do, and I really admire them. Everyone's so driven and that has really pushed me to kind of try to find my own place in high school and be more confident,” Alyssa Huang (’20) said.](https://harkeraquila.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/AlyssaHuang_EmilyChen_HoHPhoto-900x749.jpeg)
DIY Burger: The Counter
April 18, 2017
A satisfying crunch resounds as the crinkly texture of onion rings combines with a soft brioche bun and refreshing cucumbers. Flavors combine in a mix of jalapeño jack cheese and pesto, leaving the perfect aftertaste. Golden-brown, slender French fries top off the burger.
The Counter, located on Blaney Avenue a couple minutes from Cupertino’s Main Street, allows guests to create their perfect burger by providing a wide variety of options for buns, meats, toppings, sauces and sides.
The restaurant features comfy lounge-style seating outside and heat lamps to provide warmth, as well as an outdoor bar. The inside of the restaurant has a family-friendly atmosphere. Hanging lights illuminate the ceiling in a warm yellow glow. With both private booths and high-rise tables that feature sofa seating, The Counter emulates a cozy feel.
The Counter provides a DIY-experience for customers to create their burger. Customers are given a menu with options for designing their own burgers. First, customers choose their meal either on a bun, from options including whole wheat, Brioche, Hawaiian and multigrain bread, or with greens, from options including lettuce, spinach and kale.
Customers then select a size for the main patty in their meal. Options for the patty include chicken, beef and a vegetarian option.. After selecting their cheese from 14 different choices and their sauce from 22 options, customers can choose an unlimited number of other fillings for their burger. These include a variety of vegetables and fruits cooked in a myriad of ways, including sun-dried tomatoes, lettuce blends, grilled red onions and dried cranberries. Diverse in flavor and texture, other options range from grilled pineapple and coleslaw to quinoa and almonds.
Customers can choose to eat at the restaurant or take their burger to-go. If a customer selects the dine-in option, a waiter will seat the customer at the table, usually after a short wait time. The waiter will take the order, and the food comes directly to the customer’s table.
Along with the custom-made burger, The Counter offers pre made burger, pasta, and salad options, as well as sides and desserts.
An international chain, The Counter is based in California and has 22 locations in the state. It also has locations in Florida, Georgia, New York, Hawaii, Idaho, Texas and Virginia in the United States. International locations include restaurants in Ghana, Malaysia and Ireland.
