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Normally, our Monday Munchies column is intended to be a tasty guide to local eateries catering to the appetite of someone that’s just smoked their own weight in cannabis – but today we’re gonna do you a favor by calling out a viral food spot you should avoid like the plague.
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Last weekend, 4th Street Market welcomed the arrival of Ground House Burgers, the Irvine-bred burger boutique that brought you the giant unicorn turd known as the Magical Burger. No doubt the establishment’s been basking in its viral fame on social media, parlaying the hype into a Downtown Santa Ana location branching off from their flagship at Trade Food Hall. It’s also resulted in the spread of viral douchebaggery courtesy of its owner Bear Degidio (Ground House’s self-proclaimed “Burger God”). He also happens to be the LA Weekly’s Director of Digital hired by Brian Calle who somehow managed to get his Magical Burger and an advertorial of his business on the cover Calle’s rack-stealing beige rag Irvine Weekly. The conflict of interest makes our stomach turn almost as much as the burger itself.
An unapologetically flamboyant, suit-wearing burger bro, Degidio’s schtick involves pumping out highly caffeinated social media videos promoting himself and his meaty creations. In December, Ground House promoted a video of Degidio chowing down on the holiday-themed “Jingle Burger”– a meatball and fried cheese monstrosity piled on top of a hamburger patty. It’s basically a softball sized mound of heartburn sandwiched between a candy cane striped bagel bun.
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“Oh my Gurrrrd!” he exclaims, sporting his sparkly, “Burger God” neck chain and a Christmas tree suit fit for the WWF. “It’s like Italy in my mouth, there’s a lot of meat in my mouth!” So…yeah, that’s basically what we’re dealing with here.
A quick scan of Ground House’s Instagram tells you a lot about their target demographic. IG models and women that spend countless hours in the gym occupy about 90 percent of their online presence which is hilarious considering the frightening volume of calories in each bite. The other 10 percent is reserved for Degidio himself, a man who resembles the doppelganger of Ronnie Magro from The Jersey Shore.
The food was fine. To be honest, cheeseburgers are kind of a no-brainer and fries just need to be fully cooked in order to earn my praise. The problem I had with this place was their attempt to include me (without my consent) in one of their douchey viral videos for the ‘Gram.
After finishing my meal and making my way through 4th Street Market’s sparse crowd towards the exit, Degidio apparently decided that filming his large, oafish friends dressed up as fake-ass security guards while shoving people out of the way to make room while they filmed his big entrance was the best way to celebrate their grand opening. Unfortunately for me (and now them) I was somehow caught up in this lame stunt while reviewing their food. Not only do I hate being touched by random bros, but the area they were trying to shove me away from was the exit.
Once Degidio noticed that I was angry about being manhandled by his “team” he sauntered over in between fits of giggling and explained that it was a “prank” and that they wanted an “honest reaction” from me. Well, Ground House Burger, here’s my reaction: Your burgers are pretty cute, so are the women you most likely have to pay for Instagram likes. And if you like burger chains run by dudes that act like Richie Rich high school bullies, this is the spot for you. But unfortunately, loud shoes, louder cars and self-absorption don’t make for good food or good culture.
Sorry, Ground House it’s a “no” for me, dawg.
Jefferson Matthew VanBilliard is a leo that enjoys all things cannabis and is just trying his best. He let us know that although the desert will always be his home you can find him on Fourth St. in Santa Ana battle rapping teenagers or at the local high school where he coaches girls varsity volleyball without anyone’s permission.
There’s no room for #FuckBoiBurger in a fun spot like the fourth street market. I think their target market is somewhere closer to the peninsula.
LMAO SHARKEEZ BRO.
I’m surprised 4th Street Market gave them a spot. There’s already a burger spot, one without all the nonsensical social media-hungry type burgers. Though it does seem to go well with the saucy-heartburn inducing food that seems the staple there (hello “Fat Street Market”).
I went there the other day on a weekend right after the new food spots came in. One look at that place and I knew to stay away. Way to bring down the ambiance there! Bring Falasophy back. More healthy options, less bro food.
Not to mention their partner Andy Nguyen who just goes into business’s and just completely ruins them. He’s done it like 7-8 times, you hear him open up a new restaurant then all of sudden a few months later it’s gone. He is not the investor or the finance person he just takes other peoples HARD EARNED money and uses it for himself.
Yeah, his places suck but he has the money to open them with his friends.
We ordered the vegan burger. It was $16! Included zero sides, no fries, nada! Not even a pickle! Won’t be back!
Haha I love this article! Thank you for pointing out how bad they are.
They need a legit burger place like Burger Monster
His pictures make him look like he would reek of Axe body spray…did he?
This is GOLD