George Motz Is Saving the American Hamburger

George Motz Is Saving the American Hamburger

From Biscuits & Jam by Southern Living

April 7, 2026 · 43 min

About this episode

George Motz discusses the cultural significance of hamburgers and his efforts to preserve American burger traditions.

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…

People in this episode

Host: Sid

Guest: George Motz

Topics covered

  • hamburgers
  • American cuisine
  • food culture
  • interviews
  • cooking
  • documentary

Keywords

  • burger scholar
  • hamburger
  • American cuisine
  • food documentary
  • cooking
  • restaurant

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: The New York Times, Travel Channel, Southern Living

Books & works: Hamburger America, The Great American Burger Book

Places: Long Island, South Carolina, Lowcountry, New York City

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