George Motz Is Saving the American Hamburger

George Motz is a self-proclaimed Burger Scholar, as well as an author, filmmaker, and TV host who’s been called the “foremost authority on hamburgers” by The New York Times. George grew up on Long Island, but he has deep family ties to South Carolina on his mother’s side. He spent a lot of time in the Lowcountry as a kid, soaking up the food and culture, which helped shape his lifelong passion for American cuisine. That passion eventually led him to create the 2004 documentary Hamburger America, which he produced, directed, shot, and edited himself. In 2016, he released his first cookbook, The Great American Burger Book, and he also brought his expertise to television as the host of Burger Land on the Travel Channel. And in 2023, George opened Hamburger America, an acclaimed restaurant in New York City where he’s serving some of the best burgers you’ll ever taste. Sid talks to George about the cultural significance of hamburgers, the men and women who make them, and what drives him to preserve and celebrate these American institutions. For more info visit: southernliving.com/biscuitsandjam Episode Art Courtesy of Southern Living / George Motz Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices