How a Burger Scholar Built the Perfect Hamburger Restaurant 

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

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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

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!

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

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

Johnny knoxvilles dad

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!!

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

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

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.

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!

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.

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

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!

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!

Yes, finally our boy Motz is back

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

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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!

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.

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

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.

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

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

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

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

Congrats George! Cool to see this journey come to this point. 30 years of research into a burger joint. Wish you all the success.

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

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.

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.

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.

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!

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

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

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

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 🍔❤

Our boy George has come far.

I don’t think I’ve ever hit the like on a video this quickly before. Already put the place in the ‘want-to-go’ places when I come to NYC! Go Motz!

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

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

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

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!!

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.

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.

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

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.

Congratulations George Motz. Been following your journey to this point for a few years. This is so great to see.

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!!

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.

IM SO GLAD U GOT THIS FAR I LOVE IT

So happy for George and all his accomplishments to trying to spread this history and knowledge to us. He looked so in his element behind the counter cooking! Can't wait to come to NYC and try it!

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.

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!

This is so amazing! I've loved the show for years and this is brilliant to see! Congratulations George and I wish you the very, very best 😊

This is really impressive. Goes to show you George isn’t just doing this for media. Everything is considered. Good artwork is made like this

So proud of him! This is awesome!

"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.

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.

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!

I'm definitely going to make the trip from MD

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

Great video! Congrats! Been following your burger videos for a long time. Wish you luck!

This is amazing! Congrats! The humility to bring in some burger greats in which put tools in your tool box is an amazing idea! Thumbs up!

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!

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

I'm so happy and excited for you. I have been a fan for a very long time. Hope to visit you in NYC.

Absolutely amazing. There is something so heart warming seeing someone's dreams come true. If I ever get the chance to travel the States there is no way I would miss out on eating here. Much love from South Australia. Well done mate.

its like a fancy bob's burgers place.

I want to go there so bad. Your restaurant looks amazing. Please do a new season of burger scholar sessions at your restaurant.

i love watching people do what they love doing and being successful. so glad you're doing this and i'm praying for your success!! :)

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.

I love the retro aesthetic man👏🏻

Adding this to the places to visit and eat next time I'm in town!

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!

Oh man yes this is what we need. Every time I watched the burger sessions, I wanted one so bad. Now I can finally try the burgers you've been making! Time to hop on the express bus! 😃

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

Motz is the GOAT!!

I was lucky enough to go to George's restaurant about 2 weeks ago! Fantastic experience and I even got to meet and chat with George, himself. George in person is the man you see in his videos. He's busy, running around talking to people, helping behind the counter. Waiting for the counter is worth it!

Thank you FwF for continuing to show what George has to offer! He's an American gem!

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 🤘

Im coming from Norway one day! This looks like the America I want to see

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

we needed this. soo Happy to see this happen

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.

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.

Awesome to see this! Rock on Motz!

George is so wholesome, Burger Scholar is one of my favorite RU-vid 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!