How a Burger Scholar Built the Perfect Hamburger Restaurant

[@FirstWeFeast]

Isn't it amazing to see someone live out their dream?🥲 Motz is a National Treasure 🍔

[@brittneyabner7984]

I'm not crying, you're crying 🥹❤

[@XusernamegoeshereX]

He absolutely is! Go George! Congrats buddy

[@MrIrondog55]

He's the Burger Host with the Motz! Ermm.. I mean most... sorry! I could listen to Georgie all day, he's a gem!

[@Badkhela]

Congratulations! I hope nothing but success, inspiration, and abundance to everyone. I gotta tell you that watching this is like watching myself in a way. Next year, I'll be experiencing the very moments george went through with the opening of my own burger restaurant in california. Our philosophy is very much the same as far as burgers. I loved every second of this video. Thank you.

[@arcadeportal32]

Maybe I will have to try it one day, though NYC is not an easy city to nav and park when you don't live there if I ever take a trip back. Used to live in NJ area, now in the Midwest.

[@FirstWeFeast]

Hey everyone, this is Justin B., creator of Burger Scholar Sessions. I normally never enter the chat, but I felt compelled to say something to mark this special occasion for the Motzman. I've been working with George for nearly 8 years now. Speaking of origin stories, I wanted to touch on mine with George-Motz and I started off as work pals. He wrote stuff for the site when we were doing editorial content, and I'd edit his features. From the moment we met, we always saw eye-to-eye on the importance of regional food expressions and the people those traditions embody. Very early on, I recognized George was doing something special: preserving centuries-old methods and cooking practices that would otherwise be lost to time, if not for his passion and curiosity. This resonated deeply with me. Like for many of you, George opened up a world I hadn't considered carefully: that of butter burgers and nutburgers and slugburgers and tons and tons of history. Early on, George became a recurring guest on The Burger Show, driving us to unexpected places like Connecticut or North Texas to try some truly amazing burgers and understand their past. (I was the guy always on the verge of puking in the back seat.) Burger Scholar Sessions was borne out of the pandemic. It was a bootstraps gig. We’d drop off gear to George, and I’d direct remotely, thanks to an iPhone placed directly above his Sony camera. It wasn’t fussy. But it was real. We kept in the burns. We kept in the eating noises. This was George in his happy place. And now he has a new happy place: Hamburger America. I can’t thank you enough for the continued support. When I heard he was going to open his own restaurant, it felt important to document it. After two decades in the field, here was our Burger Scholar building the burger joint of his dreams. Watching back the footage of Marty Hall, Ed Sullivan, Alvin Cailan made me so appreciative of the family that we've built and the stories we've been able to share. All of which is to say, it’s amazing to witness someone fulfill a lifelong dream, and have the support of many. Thank you again. And most of all, congrats Georgie. -Sincerely, Justin B.

[@patrickvanzadel212]

Awesome for sharing. As someone from a whole different continent I am excited to see George doing what he loves but also seeing how his enthusiasm made this possible.

[@Hamptonio]

Respect, Justin. When creators have a cosmic connection like you and Motz, magic will inevitably be sparked. Thanks for documenting this and for continuing to inspire.

[@guthries]

Thanks for directing this series, Justin, it's one of my absolute favorites!

[@guthries]

@@0neOver0neThreeSeven you're a hamburger

[@saphcal]

Awesome!

[@Berd]

george seems like the coolest dude ever im so happy for him

[@ChilisOfficial]

why do you always appear in the most random comment section

[@theamaranthineman574]

@@ChilisOfficial Why are You always in the most random comment sections to notice him posting in the most random comment section? Ahaaa, that is the question.... :)

[@granthagen2996]

BERD?

[@Styxz__]

Hi berd from berd

[@titania642]

I made it over to Hamburger America, and there was George behind the grill! I had to get his famous fried onion burger, with fries and chocolate milk. In a word, it was perfect. The entire ~vibe~ that he established really adds to the flavor of the burger. 10/10! Been following George for awhile so I'm so happy for him.

[@minuteman4199]

Where is it?

[@stevekjr9563]

​@@minuteman4199New York City.

[@Efilnikufesin76]

Did it have mustard? Love mustard on tons of things, just not burgers.

[@sliver3703]

@@Efilnikufesin76 its just preference bro

[@Pepe-ts9ec]

Chocolate milk as the drink is a goated move

[@sas1974]

George's childlike enthusiasm for burgers is infectious. Seeing him walk through the realization of his dream is beautiful. Hamburger America is at the top of my list for my next NYC visit.

[@MatthewTheWanderer]

Me too! I've never been to NYC, but I've always wanted to go.

[@sas1974]

@@MatthewTheWanderer I lived in Manhattan for 6yrs and miss it all the time.

[@SimulationSimulacrum]

It’s like that Aaron Franklin enthusiasm but burgers, I love it. George and Aaron should do a show on back yard grilling.

[@ashleys637]

Normally I'm ambivalent to restaurants opened by "celebrity" cooks/chef's, but not this time. I'm SO HAPPY for George! Such a wholesome dude. I hope his restaurant is a major success.

[@Chonchey]

drink the syrup and never stop

[@Sulamanjansulttaani]

​@@Choncheyi too, hate my life

[@Chonchey]

@@Sulamanjansulttaani keep slurping joe rogan ya chump

[@TinyT1mm]

the food isn't cooked, i went there

[@Gruvmpy]

@@TinyT1mm Uncooked, or medium rare?

[@serialgrillaz6669]

This is so wholesome, awesome to see a genuinely nice guy achieving his dream. I make great burgers because of this guy.

[@dinochop5375]

Same man!

[@nuck-]

80% of restaurants fail within 4 years. Long road ahead but i hope he makes it!

[@guvjimbike]

@nuck- Yes we know this but thank you for pointing this out Bro.. Why would you say that.? (You may Fail but I hope you Don’t) 😡

[@nuck-]

@@guvjimbike Just living in reality, he's likely going to fail and his dream is over, so yeah maybe wait to congratulate until he succeeds is my point, live in reality.

[@Dolsey1]

how do you know he's nice?

[@graefx]

I love that Motz figured out his look and has just maintained it for 30 years. The perfect living mascot. Congratulations, hope one day I can come loom behind someone at the counter and wait my turn. May everyone find something that brings them the level of happiness that burgers bring George

[@baxtronx5972]

He threw away his comb?

[@hippydippy]

@@baxtronx5972 So what if he did? Good for him!

[@saschascharf2932]

We were among the very first guests during the soft-opening times in mid November. George is a true master of his art and such a kind person. We enjoyed every minute of our visit. Thank you, George for the nice smalltalk and the autographed "Hamburger America"-DVD. We´ll be back! Greetings from Dortmund, Germany.

[@Chrisinater8]

As a fellow German i just added this spot to my New York food tour list when i will be going on vacation there!!

[@saschascharf2932]

@@Chrisinater8 Go for it! Totally worth it. Viele Grüße aus Dortmund.

[@Bowiiihowdy]

My step dad's from Dortmund

[@jessossenkopp]

Kind of rare that we have someone as universally loved as George. Seriously just a likable guy with a clear cut love: burgers. Been watching for years and I plan on hitting his place this weekend. Can’t wait.

[@marvinko6610]

Couldn’t have happened to a nicer human being. I hope he finds all the success

[@Dazedgumball]

I just went to George's place yesterday and it was probably the best hamburger that I've eaten. George is an absolute treasure and he deserves all the success of this restaurant!

[@realist7239]

wow really

[@TheWelschman]

I love the dedication to the preservation of Americana and the burger. The passion George has for not only a classic American dish but culture as well comes through in his work and is really inspiring. Passionate people make the world a better place.

[@TheTroystreet]

George Motz is without a doubt the coolest historian ever. Before knowing who he was and seeing his videos I never thought about the importance of the history of something so simple as the hamburger. But thanks to him I have a greater appreciation and love for the hamburger and thanks to him it’s the best thing I can make and love making every single one. So Thank you George for making sure the history of the hamburger is kept alive and if I ever go to New York I’m definitely going to Hamburger America.

[@JLengson1106]

Went to Hamburger America this past weekend, and yes it’s amazing. Can’t wait to go back

[@brewdogg77]

I won't lie. I cried a bit. It's beautiful to see a great guy live his dream. When I come to town, you're shop is gonna be my first stop.

[@TheHorrorShowChannel]

Had no idea George opened a restaurant so this was great to see! Hopefully we get regular check-ins and spotlights!

[@ERey55]

I still can't believe I met him here and he was such a great, simple and funny guy. Just cooking, chatting and laughing with everyone. It's so nice to see him finally coming to this. Congrats George, you deserve every little part of all the success and love you receive!! 🙌🏻🙌🏻🙌🏻 Greetings from Argentina!!

[@alaskanyeti907]

I've needed more George Motz content in my life!

[@JDoeX]

Can we just appreciate for a moment how dedicated George is to what he is doing? Any other Chef or celebrity woulda just used his name to make money, but instead he goes to actually work there and doesn't even charge high prices, quite opposite actually. What a legend!

[@tiran193]

Amazing to see George Motz open his own restaurant! His passion and excitment is always amazing to watch.

[@ChiliPepperMadness]

This is wonderful!

[@CosmickCowboy]

I had the pleasure of eating one of George’s burgers made by the man himself. It was so simple and delicious. He really puts so much care into what he does. Can’t wait to try this spot.

[@MrKevin486]

His enthusiasm is infectious. I will try and get there when I'm in NYC in September.

[@Timmycoo]

When I took some graphic design courses in college, I was told that yellow and red are colors that invoke hunger. Whether or not that's a learned behavior is beyond me lol. And I love Motz. Am glad to see him open up a restaurant.

[@drinfernodds]

I wonder if that's a natural human thing, or if over time humans began to associate red and yellow with hunger because of places like McDonald's and Wendy's.

[@RichDXtreme247]

This..this is incredible. I am so proud of Motz to reach a lifelong dream such as this. Maybe with something like this would likely inspire people to reach their own dreams one day like George did. Don’t let your dreams be just dreams, make them a reality through your own hard work, passion, and inspiration. Maybe one day, I’ll head on over to the Big Apple from the Garden State to finally taste what history is like to annihilate the same old taste of corporate fast food joints and get a brand new experience in Motz’s new but CLASSIC burger joint that so many people might do the same!

[@Dan_d00d]

Stoked for George and his undying love for the craft and this amazing leap fwd. Love that this channel gave him an extra home to expand his reach

[@michaelskinny1]

Went to one of his pop ups during the earlyish days of covid on the Upper east side in nyc and it was just him and his wife cooking burgers. Both were very kind and I’ll never forget the first bite of the fried onion burger after watching a few of his videos. Simply delicious. So happy to see him finally open his own place!! Congrats George!

[@capnwarren]

Congrats George. You've brought us so many cool recipes/stories from across the country and its awesome to see you have your own place in that spirit.

[@pixelcultmedia4252]

Great work George. You essentially created your customers by educating them about Hamburgers. The guest chef idea is brilliant also, as it gives people more of a reason to return. I love the concept and good luck.

[@roberttrevino5058]

How can you not be happy for George?!? I’m craving a burger now 😅

[@xPower4Goodx]

This feels like an epilogue to a 90s feel good movie. Glad to see George is doing well since I hadn’t seen a burger show vid in a while.

[@EASOUL]

Atta Boy George! Great to see it mate, I wish you all the success that you deserve!

[@846849timmy]

Johnny knoxvilles dad

[@sublimeluvr]

George and Knoxville probably same age 🤣🤣

[@sublimeluvr]

Ok I lied. Motz is 3 years older than Johnny

[@HumboldtRefugee]

The world needs a lot more people with as much passion and dedication as George Motz. On my way to NYC.

[@TheSummerCoast]

I can't express how happy I am for George that he has is own restaurant now. I can't wait for an opportunity to go to New York one day and get to eat at that very place. Thank you FWF and Justin for putting George on my map and making me appreciate his knowledge and content.

[@fernandonascimento4692]

God, it feels so good seeing someone like George, so full of passion for what he loves reaching these heights, what a wholesome journey and more than a just reward. I hope to one day be able to go eat at his restaurant, Burguer Scholar videos kinda saved me when I was in a bad place. Good luck in everything you do George, the world needs more people with your genuine passion.

[@mastergwaha]

hope his workers are being paid okay too

[@Susan-cooks]

​@mastergwaha Minimum wage is $16 per hour in NYC, so they're getting at least that.

[@AndrewPekeuronehelluvanoob91]

Incredibly happy for George! I thoroughly enjoy when he shares his knowledge of burger history and the finer details that make the otherwise simple food we enjoy so much. All the best for your restaurant!

[@TSenter82]

Congratulations to George Motz on opening his own restaurant, I hope he has all the success that he deserves to have.

[@maggiezorn4591]

This is literally making me cry. This man helped me get through the pandemic. Burgers are my favorite food. It makes me so happy to see George with his own restaurant

[@mjmont92]

George absolutely rules. I'll have to make a trip into the city soon.

[@MisterSir7]

This is absolutely amazing - melted my heart! Long live the Motz & Hamburger America!

[@chriseshpeter3478]

George is my absolute favorite food guy!!! He's the reason I went out and bought a Blackstone griddle and have been amazing family and friends alike with the Oklahoma smash burger. "Five ingredients: beef, onions, salt, cheese, bun".....can't wait to to come to NY from Calgary, Canada to try your's and hopefully meet you!!

[@Taprickk]

George, you are such a joy to look at! This video warmed my heart! Congratulations, it's more than deserved, and It's really cool to see someone with a true passion for something accomplishing a goal like that.

[@Baboonery_]

White Mana was the first burger spot I've been to that wasn't a chain junk food spot and it completely changed my POV on burger joints. Years later I found your work and it perfectly encapsulates my thoughts and feelings about the amazing, rich history of this Americana. Cannot wait to try your spot!

[@mattkeysme]

I've been watching the videos, and also eating burger joints from Hamburger America all over the country. Even emailed George once when I was out of state without my book and he hit me back with some recommendations. I heard he was working on this place and I'm really pumped to watch this video. A lifetime of work has led to this and I'm just really happy for him. Congrats George it couldn't all be coming together for anyone more deserving.

[@golfrabble]

This made me cry. So cool to see a guy who’s obsessed with something and turned his dream into a reality. What an awesome story.

[@richguevara2721]

This is what life is all about. Passion, community, food. Nothing can bring people together like great food. Something as simple as a burger being so profound is absolutely incredible. I truly believe that still may be an understatement.

[@jediknutt620]

Congrats to George! He definitely upped my burger game and appreciation for burgers.

[@GreyDevil]

I'm so proud of George for making his restaurant a thing. I hope it'll be around for many years, just like his burger heroes.

[@sfslax]

Man i just love this guy so much, he seems like hes always happy

[@ianrobinson525]

Congratulations mate much respect, I seriously hope you grow so big that you're able to open stores in Australia, I need to find some of your books for real, but having the burger master cooking burgers in Australia would be absolutely unreal mate, Again highly appreciated & much respect to you mate you deserve it

[@icegoddesslexra]

Motz I'm so happy for you! Just be careful not to burn yourself too often, okay?! I hope I make my way up there to NY so I can eat there once. I'm so happy you get to do this and be happy and teaching us all the art and history of the American Hamburger in your own restaurant. Here's to Hamburger America!

[@profparadox9871]

I still wish we could get to see more burger scholar sessions, if possible in the restaurant even, but if not then the legacy of burger america will help the new get involved with the classics

[@mrcubee3967]

Oh man, I really hope that some day I'll be able to visit this place with my son. I've seen and read so much about burgers from George and now he has a restaurant too. This became a new landmark that I definitely want to visit if I'll be able to go to the US.

[@DJB1564]

I hope this isn’t the end of the Burger Scholar Session videos. I want more.

[@dannybrown5889]

George Motz is a legend! So happy for him. Gotta try this place out.

[@midoribushittv]

I watched a few videos on this channel here and there, but when I discovered George Motz on here, I was like this man has passion, heart and is funny. Most importantly, however, is his love for burgers, history and perservation. You rock! Got me back into cooking!

[@BillyBassBen]

Congratulations George! I just wanted to say that i am a huge fan of yours and in fact i bought my dad a book autographed by you and he loves it 🍔❤

[@rojo40]

I find inspiring whenever is so passionate about something that they manage to pass that feeling to others. Seeing this guy being able to have his own burger place, warms the heart.

[@episodesglow]

"Do what you love and you'll never work a day in your life," I know this is just a hamburger show with George, but I feel like it is much more than that, he is the very embodiment of that quote. I followed that mantra for years with several failures but eventually made it.

[@Khazandar]

Which is absolute nonsense, because it's still work, regardless of how much you enjoy it. It's something you need to do to pay bills and eat.

[@kindabluejazz]

@@Khazandar The expression isn't supposed to be taken literally. If you're talented or lucky enough to have options, it's better for everyone if you do the thing you 'want' to do. I worked for many years at reduced pay versus other offered jobs because I was following my passion. I'd go into 'work' early, when I didn't have to, at night, on weekends, over vacations etc. Work was the highlight of my day, nothing else compared. I got to use equipment I couldn't afford on my own, I got to work with other super smart and talented people. Sometimes I got paid bonuses, but not always, and they were never offered in advance, just recognition gestures after the fact by my bosses. My co-workers rewarded me a few times for my exuberance and making their days better. Other times I worked on jobs I hated and always did a half-assed job and constantly watched the clock waiting for the work day to end so I could get back to my 'fun' stuff. Maybe you just haven't had something like that in your life, which from my perspective, is a bit sad.

[@episodesglow]

@@Khazandar then you really haven't grasped it at all.

[@joshuapatrick682]

Congrats man! If anyone deserves it you do! Many happy returns!

[@TheIceCreamHead]

Yes, finally our boy Motz is back

[@honeybunmraz]

Loved seeing Kellers on here. Kellers is a Dallas staple to this day. Can't remember the amount of times my family chose to go there instead of some fancy restaurant whenever our parents would let us choose where to eat. I'll never forget the car and bike shows. 😭 Love this. Many congratulations and much success!!

[@SanMann11]

So proud of him! This is awesome!

[@BBQJunkienl]

Congrats George! Love to see how genuinely happy you are talking about burgers and opening your restaurant. You deserve this!

[@Amm17ar]

Bout time he got his own place. The Burger Encyclopedia kinda should have his own burger spot lol. Hopefully people love it. Anyone with this much passion and love for a topic deserves to succeed at it.

[@markrixson7791]

Much respect and love ~ I have been watching you for at least four years ~ wishing you and your crew nothing but the very best here to come. Cheers

[@scoundrel1680]

I don't even care if the burgers are good or not, I want to make the trip just to see George behind that counter smiling, such a genuinely good dude. Happy for him.

[@ceelogaming3537]

CONGRATULATIONS TO THE BIG MAN GEORGE MOTZ 🙌🙌🙌🙌🙌🙌🙌 🍔 Im so stoked for you man! Hope to visit your restaurant one day. Cheers from 🇨🇦

[@HappyKoufax]

I love the retro aesthetic man👏🏻

[@FruityGroovy]

I can honestly say that George Motz and his show have definitely given me a greater appreciation of burgers, and burger joints as a whole. I've actually gone out of my way to see where good burger joints around me are, and now I have a favorite spot I usually always go to after doing an improv class.

[@ogre7699]

The worst thing about this, is that I'm stuck in the UK and can't experience this burger magic for myself. This guy deserves everything and more, and I'm so glad he's going to even higher places. Here's hoping it lasts for decades to come!

[@sucrosecerise]

IM SO GLAD U GOT THIS FAR I LOVE IT

[@bunyan2422]

Love Motz, so happy he's living his dream and keeping an essential piece of american culture alive untainted by fast food corporations. Rock on Motz 🤘

[@markuss3735]

Congratulations! So great to see someone fulfilling their dream. Well done!

[@jhroyalty]

So excited for you George! I wish you all the success in the world. You mentioned having to convince the burger shop owners that their work is important; I hope you realize how important your work is too. Thanks for all you do.

[@itsjustaclint8404]

I have all the books. Now what's left is to go to the location and get them signed. Living the dream my man.

[@andrewjudson4208]

George, congrats on opening your own burger joint to showcase your love of the all American hamburger. I love watching all the content you make and learning about the different hamburgers all across this great country. Continued success in everything you do.

[@ShawnyDsMusic]

My Wife and I WILL be flying to New York specifically for this experience. Congratulations George. You have been a tremendous inspiration to us and we love you so much!

[@mung01re]

Our boy George has come far.

[@SirBrickzAlot]

When I heard George opened a restaurant, it immediately became a bucket list stop for me. Watching him make burgers on his channel, I finally had the chance to taste one yesterday . It did not disappoint! it was worth the trip over to NY. Had such a great experience, we sat at the counter and watched George Motz, make our burgers, and hand them to us. Can't wait to go back.

[@tommymaddox6785]

Amazing to see such passion come to fruition.

[@riccivr]

I'm so happy for George Motz, looking forward to eating these burgers soon! From Spain with love

[@IamNotTheAnswer]

I'm definitely going to make the trip from MD

[@Runningtaco]

I'm from md too let's carpool together lol

[@monsirto]

Congrats George! All the best from Gosford Australia, I will be using one of those magnificent recipes you've shown us tonight.

[@RyanDavis87]

as simply as I can say it, we the viewers want more George Motz , even if it is a separate channel.

[@URM8N8]

What a wholesome story for the start of the new year!

[@thehaymaker3660]

Love this! Can we see a video where George explains his process for chosing the recipes for the restaurant?

[@riuphane]

I've never been interested in going to NY before now. Now I feel a strong need to sit in that joint and eat a burger every day...

[@JuanChale563]

Wow, that Hamburger Hero idea is so so so sick. What a way to show your love to your inspirations.

[@kingericsr]

So awesome Marty is visiting/visited. That's a huge deal for a small town Oklahoman. Marty is a legend here in OK. Thank you George.

[@chrishalemusic]

Motz is the GOAT!!

[@paulEmotionalaudio]

So great to see someone work hard, follow their dream, build something and succeed. All the best luck in the world George!🎉

[@Gamefreak8112]

When I go to a new restaurant I'll get a burger, it is the test by which I judge them. It isn't complicated to throw stuff on a bun and give it to me but there's a balance at play. Everything from patty firmness topping consistency and presentation to how the flavors meld, you can tell if the chef cares about the burger. I'm not in the city but I am excited about this. CONGRATULATIONS Sir!

[@bierbrauer11]

George is so wholesome, Burger Scholar is one of my favorite KZbin series, and has taught me a lot! Somebody cut some onions because I have no idea why I’d be a bit misty watching this!

[@ryanmalone2681]

I couldn’t agree more with the historical importance of burgers to America. We don’t have a lot, but we’re known worldwide for burgers, so let’s do it better and with more variation than anywhere else.

[@RordRindu]

I'm a Dallas native and I'm glad to see Kellers get the love it deserves!

[@thesadboxman]

Most people wouldn't want to flip burgers all their life, but George would gladly do it with a big smile on his face! His passion is infectious!

[@PJZ]

I'm so happy for you George. You've inspired many a burger in my house and have made me fall in love with cooking...will have to pop over from Astoria and pay you guys a visit. Congratulations!