Wilmington Native Fulfills Dream With Food Network Episode

Having seen countless episodes, Paul Malvone has always been a fan of on the Food Network. It’s safe to say, however, that Monday will always remain his favorite episode.

Malvone and Boston Burger Company, his popular Somerville restaurant, were the focus of the opening segment on the newest edition of the popular show hosted by celebrity chef Guy Fieri.

“It was surreal,” said Malvone. “I’ve watched the show thousands of times, and you always say how you wish it was you. Then they say you’re going to be on it, and that’s the pinnacle of what we wanted to do. It was a goal, and it became attainable. The feeling is unbelievable.”

Along with fellow Wilmington native Sebastian Fricia and Wakefield’s Chuck Sillari, Malvone has established Boston Burger Company as a local favorite, providing a variety of gourmet and unique burgers.

On Monday’s episode, Malvone spent much of the segment showing Fieri how he makes the Mac Attack, a burger complete with four cheese macaroni and bacon.

The appearance is the latest in a long line of recent success for the company. During a recent competition, the restaurant’s Hot Mess featuring sweet potato fries, American cheese, chopped pickles, jalapeños, bacon, red onion, shredded lettuce and thousand island dressing took home a Best of Boston win.

In addition, Malvone’s creation earned first place in a national burger cook off. As a result, Boston Burger Company will travel to Food Network’s Burger Bash. In February, Malvone will head to Miami to cook the Hot Mess in the competition hosted by Rachel Ray.

Malvone said he watched himself on Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives inside his restaurant with a group of employees who had just finished the day’s work in Somerville.

Though it hasn’t been long since the show aired, the Wilmington resident has already had several customers who were in the Boston area traveling from as far as Texas and Florida. They specifically came into Boston Burger Company after seeing Malvone’s appearance on the show, a trend that is likely to continue in the future.

After achieving goals of appearances on New England's Phantom Gourment and now Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives nationally, Malvone joked that he isn’t sure what’s next for Boston Burger Company. 

“Every year we turn around and see what we can do to top ourselves,” said Malvone. “Now what do we do next year? I honestly don’t know.”