by Jordan Krantz, Staff Writer

“Hot Juicy burger, hot juicy burger, hot juicy burger”

This was the echo of the original 2006 Wendy’s commercial, the one that started the phenomenon. When Hot Juicy Burger Club founder Jerry Gordon fist saw this on his TV late one night, he knew it was fate.

“I have always loved burgers since I was like two, and when I saw that Wendy’s burger, I knew I was whipped for life,” said Gordon. He went on to explain that an HJB is a burger at its “ultimate juiciness”, where “you have to wipe your face after each bite.” According to him, the prime spot for burgers is out in Independence. This small burger joint, Swenson’s serves up a juicy galley-boy to anyone in need of it. “Add those fries and a shake”, Jerry said, “Oh yeah…”

The first meeting of the HJB club took place Wednesday, October 7 when Co-President Sam Terkel, gathered orders and went out to Swenson’s to pick up the burgers. “The main challenge I faced” Sam said, “was being attacked by twenty kids when I got back”, all of them wanting their burgers. All of the members of the group then gathered to watch a showing of the Nick classic, “Good Burger”. “It’s a great comedy about making burgers” Sam said, “It really shines a different light on the whole process”.

When asked about future plans for the club, Ori Friedman, head HJB chef, described the possibilities as “endless”. “When you combine those angus patties with my cooking ability”, he pauses “there is no telling what could happen.” The future plans of the club include burger-making 101, where beginners can learn to use the grill. “It’s a great way for me to give back,” said Ori, who has spent the last few years working in the culinary arts program. He added, “and always remember only flip your burgers once.” Along with working with a culinary expert on burgers, Friedman can give the run down on the bun making process as well. “If not the most important,” then, “the most critical part by far,” Ori said.

While all this talk of burgers makes Founder Jerry Gordon “crave a nice HJB”, it provides information on how the HJB club is becoming the next big thing. “With ease the club will have 100 members by next month.” Jerry said, “everyone loves burgers, there is nothing in the world like biting into a hot juicy one”.