Smashburger with Carlos Santos

"Smashburger with Carlos Santos" is Episode 336 of *Doughboys*, hosted by Mike Mitchell and Nick Wiger. "Smashburger with Carlos Santos" was released on February 10, 2022.

## Synopsis

Carlos Santos (*Spanish Aquí Presents*, *Gentefied*) joins the 'boys to discuss fitness and Fresno before a review of Smashburger. Plus, a brand new segment, Wigerdle.

## Nick's intro

When, in 1975 at the age of 22, Tony Tan Caktiong opened an ice cream parlor in Quezon City, Philippines, not even he could foresee it would one day make him a billionaire, but today Caktiong's empire spans three continents and 6,000 restaurants - Asia's largest fast-food company. A few years after opening, Caktiong's creamery added hot food to appease customer demand and was rebranded as Jollibee. And as Jollibee expanded beyond its burger/spaghetti/fried chicken/sweet treat origins into other concepts, it became one "fried" wing of Jollibee Foods Corporation and the affiliated, and phenomenally named, DoubleDragon Properties Corporation.

In addition to founding successful new Philippines-based chain restaurants such as Greenwich Pizza and Red Ribbon Bakery, Jollibee also partnered with acquired global brands. Caktiong's corporation manages the Filipino operations of Burger King, Panda Express, and Yoshinoya, and wholly owns American coffee chain, The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf. And, in 2015, Jollibee made its boldest venture stateside, acquiring 40% of a US burger joint founded in Colorado in 2007.

Originally conceived by Rick Schaden and Tom Ryan (two veterans of the chain restaurant industry who'd collectively served tours at McDonald's, Quizno's, and Pizza Hut), the brand was cannily crafted as a cash-in on the then-emerging artisan fast-casual burger trend. Through higher-quality products and gimmicks like partnering with celebrity chefs for seasonal offerings, the hamburgery expanded beyond the Rockies in short order and, today, has swelled to nearly 400 locations.

In 2018, Jollibee Foods Corporaton acquired the remaining 60% of the concept, adding full ownership of the brand to Tony Tan Caktiong's ever-growing portfolio.

But will it continue to be the smashing success promised by its name?

This week on *Doughboys*, Smashburger.

## Fork rating

* Spicy Baja with Guac Crispy Chicken Sandwich
* Egg & Cheese Sandwich
* Smashfries
* Brussels Sprouts
* Vanilla Shake
 Mike Mitchell
* Double Classic Smash Burger
* Truffle Mushroom Swiss Turkey Burger
	+ Brioche Bun
* Avocado Bacon Club Grilled Chicken Sandwich
* Classic Crispy Chicken Sandwich
* Smashfries
* Tots
* Oreo Cookies & Cream Shake
 Carlos Santos
* Classic Grilled Chicken Sandwich
* French Fries
* Oreo Cookies & Cream Shake

**Spoonman's Bite of the Night** went to the Truffle Mushroom Swiss Turkey Burger.

Nick seems to have been distracted and not given a fork score. He does say he doesn't want to go under 3. However, only two scores were used for this episode.

## Wigerdle 🟨🟩

In this new segment, Wiger has a 5-letter word relating to food, and they have to try to guess it.

Green means the letter is in the right spot. Yellow means the letter is in the word, but in a different spot. Black means the letter is not in the word.

 SALTY
 JUICE
 GRAIN
 PIZZA

## The Feedbag

Is there a cornerstone food product that you didn't try for a really long time? Is there a signature foodstuff that you still haven't tried; and if so, is there a reason you put it off for so long?

 Mike Mitchell
* Chick-fil-A
* Taco Bell Mexican Pizza / 5-Layer Burrito
 Carlos Santos

## Photos

Egg & Cheese SandwichClassic Smash Black Bean BurgerSpicy Baja with Guac Crispy Chicken SandwichSmashfries