No other food says “America” like the hamburger, and documentary filmmaker George Motz has made it his personal mission to preserve our hamburger heritage.

Motz has traveled across the country in search of the best burger joints – those that have survived outside the fast-food burger mainstream – and has documented the rich histories and “local color” behind them all. Hamburger America features 100 of the best roadside stands, nostalgic diners, mom ‘n’ pop establishments, and college-town favorites – all with full-color photographs showing the unique burgers and the places and people behind them.

“The real reason for writing this guide was to bring to the table the vast importance of the all-American burger joint and shine a light on this nation’s favorite food,” Motz explains. “Looking into the not-so-distant future I see the MacDonald’s hamburger as a reference point for many as to what a hamburger should look and taste like. This is not a good thing.”

Hamburger America started as a documentary. In 2001, George and his vegetarian wife embarked on a journey to tell the stories of 8 historically significant hamburger counters in America. After visiting over 1,000 joints across the country, Hamburger America was born. It first aired on the Sundance Channel in 2005, and went on to win 3 Emmys, 12 Broadcast Design Awards, 1 Telly Award, and was nominated for a James Beard Award. The film has even become required viewing in a food course at Princeton University.

Soon after it premiered, George became a hamburger expert of sorts. He was featured in the New York Times and the New York Post for his burger savvy, and is still sought after by the media for quotes and anecdotal information on the importance of the hamburger in American culture. He has also taught a hamburger class at New York University, and consulted for new hamburger restaurants nationwide.