Business & Tech

Local Chefs to be Featured on 'Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives'

Wilmington's Paul Malvone and Sebastian Fricia will join Wakefield resident Chuck Sillari representing Boston Burger Company on the Food Network show.

Making burgers isn’t the only talent Paul Malvone, Sebastian Fricia and Chuck Sillari have. They’re also pretty good at reaching high expectations.

When the trio of locals, Malvone and Fricia are from Wilmington and Sillari is from Wakefield, opened Boston Burger Company in Somerville three years ago, they set a pair of goals.

The trio wanted to be featured on New England culinary television program “Phantom Gourmet” within a year, and they wanted to be on Food Network’s “Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives” within five years.

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It took the restaurant owners just months to achieve their first goal. And by this fall, the group will be able to say they achieved their second goal as well.

Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives host Guy Fieri and his television crew came to the restaurant in May, filming for new episodes that will likely air in the fall.

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“It’s surreal. The whole thing was just awesome,” said Malvone. “Having them come in meant a lot in that it means we’ve accomplished something. It tells us that people do enjoy our food, our atmosphere, and what we’re trying to do.”

Among the 24 burgers on the restaurant’s menu are selections topped with macaroni and cheese, fried egg, and one even piled high with peanut butter and bananas.

There are also burgers for those with simpler taste, and it’s that diversity that Malvone said makes the restaurant special.

“It’s just all-American food. It’s been around for ages, so it isn’t just a trend or a niche,” said Malvone. “We just have fun with it. If you come in, you’re going to have a fun time. You can come in wearing a shirt and tie, or in a t-shirt and flip flops. We have something for everyone.”

Malvone said the experience of filming the show was a memorable one, especially since Fieri has only visited 12 Massachusetts restaurants.

Not even the restaurant owners know yet when the episode will air, but Malvone suspects it will be in the fall. Show producers tell participants about six weeks in advance so they can prepare for the inevitable boost in business that follows their episode.

It’s good timing for Boston Burger Company, which was working on its new Back Bay location before the show decided it was coming to film. The second restaurant .

For Malvone, a Food Network appearance is the latest in the line of rewarding experience in the food industry.

“When someone eats something you made and they say they love it, it’s like being an artist and having someone love your painting,” said Malvone. “When I bring a towering burger to a table and people are looking at me stunned, I know we’ve done something right and I can feel good about it.”


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