Sioux Falls, the heartland of America, has welcomed a new culinary gem with open arms. Geo's Hamburger Shopp, a food truck that spent the summer captivating the crowds at Okoboji, has now set up shop in the city, offering a tantalizing taste of old-school burgers and decadent lobster rolls. The brainchild of George Hendrickson, a passionate cook with a lifelong love for the culinary arts, this mobile eatery is poised to become a local favorite, showcasing the finest ingredients and time-honored techniques.
Savoring the Flavors of Tradition: Geo's Hamburger Shopp's Culinary Journey
From Ice and Snow to Sizzling Burgers
George Hendrickson's path to food truck entrepreneurship was paved by an unexpected turn of events. After the mild winter decimated his Sioux Falls-based ice and snow control business, Hendrickson found himself in a financial predicament. However, his unwavering passion for cooking inspired him to take a leap of faith and embark on a new venture – the creation of Geo's Hamburger Shopp. With a lifetime of culinary experience and a dream of opening a brick-and-mortar restaurant, Hendrickson seized the opportunity to bring his vision to life.
Honoring the Sweezy Burger Legacy
At the heart of Geo's Hamburger Shopp's menu are the old-school burgers, an homage to the legendary "Sweezy burger" that originated in 1929 in Spencer, Iowa. Hendrickson's commitment to quality is evident in every bite, as he uses choice-grade, certified Black Angus beef, finely ground and hand-pressed into 3-ounce patties. The secret to the burger's magic lies in the deep-frying process, where the patties are submerged in a tank-style fryer filled with USDA-certified, organic, and grass-fed beef tallow.
Buns with a Taste of Grandma's Kitchen
Hendrickson's attention to detail extends beyond the patty, as he meticulously crafts the perfect bun for his burgers. Inspired by the flavors of his grandmother's kitchen, he rolls the buns in ghee before grilling them, creating a delightful texture and aroma. Currently sourcing the buns from a bakery in the Okoboji area, Hendrickson hopes to eventually partner with a local bakery to ensure the buns are made to his exacting standards.
Lobster Rolls: A Taste of the East Coast
Geo's Hamburger Shopp's menu also features a standout offering – the Connecticut-style lobster roll. Inspired by his time at Arnold's Park, where the rolls were a hit, Hendrickson has brought this East Coast delicacy to Sioux Falls. The key to these decadent rolls lies in the use of beurre monte, an emulsified butter sauce, which replaces the traditional mayonnaise. Topped with fresh, steamed lobster and a sprinkle of Maldon sea salt flakes, these rolls are a testament to Hendrickson's commitment to quality ingredients and bold flavors.
Expanding the Menu: Lobster Tacos and Beyond
Geo's Hamburger Shopp is not content to rest on its laurels. Hendrickson's oldest daughter, Payley, has been instrumental in crafting new additions to the menu, including the highly anticipated lobster tacos. These tacos feature lobster knuckles dredged in the signature beurre monte sauce and topped with a refreshing cilantro lime slaw. Additionally, the menu boasts all-beef, kosher Hebrew National hot dogs, a brisket-stuffed smoked sausage, and walking tacos, ensuring there's something to satisfy every palate.
A Community Embraces Geo's Hamburger Shopp
Hendrickson's passion and dedication have not gone unnoticed, as the Sioux Falls community has wholeheartedly embraced Geo's Hamburger Shopp. The food truck's arrival has been met with overwhelming enthusiasm, with customers eager to sample the diverse menu and return to try the other tantalizing offerings. Hendrickson is humbled by the community's support, stating, "Sioux Falls has just been off the hook since we got here. They want to order everything, and they're coming back to hit the other items."As Geo's Hamburger Shopp continues to captivate the hearts and taste buds of Sioux Falls, the future looks bright for this culinary gem. With its commitment to quality, passion for tradition, and a community that has embraced it with open arms, this food truck is poised to become a beloved institution, paving the way for Hendrickson's dream of opening a brick-and-mortar restaurant. Sioux Falls, get ready to indulge in the flavors of Geo's Hamburger Shopp – a culinary experience that will leave a lasting impression on your palate.
