‘Philadelphia Cheesesteak Tour Spotlight – Spot Gourmet Burgers’
The story of Spot Gourmet Burgers is not necessarily about the hand butchered 100% Sirloin cheesesteaks and burgers, or the quality vegetarian and sandwich options, but rather at the generosity and heart of the owner Josh Kim. Yes, it is called Spot Gourmet burgers, but do not let the name of this Brewerytown establishment fool you. All the options, including his 8 ounce hand butchered sirloin cheesesteak, are truly wonderful.
Although it is a tiny location, with just a couple small tables, the most prominent feature is the community refrigerator that offers items to those in need and encourages you to leave any excess foods. To quote Josh Kim,
“I know what it’s like to live with nothing. I know what it’s like to have humility, and holding paper food stamps to pay at grocery stores. I know that feeling.”
This two time Best of Philly Winner started out with a mobile food cart on the Drexel campus that became hugely popular and has since added a brick and mortar location. Josh has surrounded himself with a group of devoted staff that focus on quality, technique and flavor.
His growth and accolades seems to reflect one of his most popular reflections:
“There’s a ripple effect on everything we do and it always starts with one person or one action. If we all just pick up one stone and move it, this can create the ripple effect. If we all did that, eventually, we actually can move mountains together.”
Using that attitude, he started as a small food cart vendor and has grown his reputation and business to become an icon in the burger and sandwich scene in a city that has become the mecca for great sandwiches.
While I can easily sit here and write great accolades on his sandwiches, I encourage you to stop by or order ahead. If you can take a few canned goods or a quart of milk to leave for others, it will warm your heart as you fill your stomach. When you look up his website, you are greeted by the following pop-up that I feel says much about who Josh Kim is and why Spot Gourmet Burger has become so popular. That and the fact they make dam good cheesesteaks.
Josh is very humble and says:
“If you have small children and need help, please stop by for a meal. If you lost your job due to the current pandemic, please come by and let us feed you. As God has granted me much grace, I shall champion my brothers and sisters in their time.”
In closing, I think Josh himself will be thankful if we pass on this simple message:
“If you would like to help us feed others, you can pay it forward via VENMO @JOSH2821.”
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Philadelphia Cheesesteak Tour 2020 – List of the Top 64 Cheesesteaks
Article written by Gene Blum
Chef, Instructor, Catering Sales & Event Management
E-Mail: Ibfoodie2@yahoo.com
Cell: (267) 467-6396
Location
Spot Gourmet Burgers
2821 W. Girard Ave
Philadelphia, PA 19130
Phone
(267) 930-7370
Hours
TEMPORARY HOURS (pandemic)
Sunday: 12:00 pm – 7:30 (phone/online) & 8:00 pm (walk-ins)
Monday – Closed
Tuesday – Saturday: 11:00 am – 7:30 pm (phone/online) & 8:00 pm(walk ins)
Website
Philadelphia Cheesesteak Tour 2020 Spotlighting The Top 12 Cheesesteak Locations
- Mama’s Pizzeria
- John’s Roast Pork (won’t be participating in then final contest)
- Angelo’s Pizzeria
- Curly’s Comfort Food
- Donkey’s Place
- Goomba’s Pizzaria
- MeatheadZ Cheesesteaks
- Tonelli’s Pizza Pub
- Cleaver’s Philly
- Sonny’s Famous Steaks
- Delco Steaks
- Spot Gourmet Burger
- Café Carmela (People’s Choice)
Click the photos below to enlarge:
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- Cheesesteak
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- (L) Jeff Belonger Founder of MyPhillyAlive and Josh Kim Owner of Spot Gourmet Burgers
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- Spot Gourmet Burgers Food Truck
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- Owner Josh Kim
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