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November 07.2025
3 Minutes Read

Discover Big Dawg Burger: Revolutionizing San Diego's Smash Burger Scene

Big Dawg Burger San Diego cheeseburgers stacked with fresh toppings.

Big Dawg Burger: Entering a Flavorful Landscape

In an exciting development for San Diego's culinary scene, Big Dawg Burger has emerged, adding fresh flair to the city's rapidly growing burger culture. Founded by local natives Alberto Montellano and Geffrey Beasley, this unique food venture seeks to redefine the classic burger experience through their dedication to Oklahoma-style smash burgers that blend innovation with tradition.

Smash Burger Trends Take Center Stage

The shift from towering, ingredient-heavy burgers to smash burgers reflects a broader trend towards simplicity and quality in the culinary world. Montellano, inspired by his experiences with smash burgers firsthand at Tacos 1986 in Los Angeles, recognized a gap in San Diego's market. “I fell in love instantly,” he recalls. The appeal lies in the cooking technique itself; smash burgers are seared onto the grill, allowing for a crispy exterior while maintaining a juicy inside. Montellano's aim to harness this technique has proven timely, as patrons increasingly prefer manageable, flavor-packed burgers.

The Secret Ingredients Behind Big Dawg's Success

At the heart of Big Dawg Burger's distinctive taste are not just the inventive recipes but also the high-quality ingredients that they carefully source. The magic begins with their signature preparation method, where onions are mixed directly into the meat before smashing the burgers on the grill—a technique reminiscent of taco-making culture in Tijuana that played a pivotal role in Montellano's inspiration. Furthermore, the use of Amish-style buns from Sadie Rose Bakery enhances texture and taste, elevating the overall burger experience.

From Pop-Up to Potentials for a Brick-and-Mortar

What started as part-time pop-ups has quickly gained traction, presenting opportunities for expansion. After successfully collaborating with other local businesses in creative ways—such as the unique oxtail burger with You Chill We Grill—Montellano and Beasley are eyeing a full-time plunge into the business arena. Their journey reflects not only a personal passion but also the burgeoning appetite for innovative burger styles in San Diego.

The Burger Revolution: Impacts on Local Dining

The growth of Big Dawg Burger signifies a larger movement within San Diego aimed at refining casual dining. As seen with other pop-ups transitioning to established eateries, consumer trends indicate a strong preference for eateries that prioritize quality and flavor over quantity. This shift is a perfect alignment with contemporary dining habits, allowing businesses like Montellano’s and Beasley’s to flourish.

A Flavorful Fusion of Local Culture and Culinary Craft

San Diego's food scene is often viewed as a melting pot of flavors influenced by its coastal geography and rich cultural tapestry. Big Dawg Burger exemplifies this blend, merging Midwestern cooking styles with local ingredients and techniques. This fusion not only pays homage to their roots but enriches the broader gastronomic conversation in the area.

As they continue to pop-up across the county, it's clear that Big Dawg Burger is not just another food business, but a beacon of innovation within San Diego's culinary landscape. For those eager to explore these mouth-watering offerings, be sure to check their Instagram @bigdawg_burger for their next location and feel the pulse of San Diego's burger revolution!

Local Insights

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02.24.2026

How Makeda Dread Cheatom Transformed San Diego's Reggae and Culture Landscape

Update Merging Cultures Through Music: The Legacy of Makeda “Dread” CheatomIn the diverse soundscape of San Diego's music scene, few figures have made as profound an impact as Makeda “Dread” Cheatom. As a DJ, cultural entrepreneur, and founder of the WorldBeat Cultural Center, Cheatom has not only shaped the local reggae scene but has also become a pivotal bridge between cultures in the city. Amid a backdrop of racial tension and cultural segregation, Cheatom's work reflects the ethos of unity and understanding through art, making her a unique voice in the community.The Rise of Reggae in San DiegoGrowing up in Linda Vista—a neighborhood notable for its amalgamation of many cultures—Cheatom's interest in reggae music was ignited by her environment. In a moment that would shape her future, she personally met Bob Marley and later produced a concert featuring his music, which was virtually unheard on local radio at the time. "I remember going to radio stations and being told they didn’t know who Marley was," she recalls. This was a catalyst for her to educate the community about reggae, paving the way for a genre that would become a staple in the city’s nightlife.Establishing a Cultural CenterWhile Cheatom initially began her career as a DJ, her vision reached far beyond music. She identified a critical lack of representation for Black and African culture in San Diego and took it upon herself to establish a venue that would promote multiculturalism. In 1989, Cheatom founded the WorldBeat Cultural Center in Balboa Park, a multi-cultural hub where diverse traditions come together through art, food, and performance. Her tenacity earned her the dilapidated water tower at Balboa Park, transforming it into a vibrant community space.Trailblazing AchievementsNot limited to music, Cheatom's accomplishments span a variety of community-based initiatives. She opened the first vegetarian restaurant in San Diego, collaborated with health advocates, and even produced the annual Bob Marley Day events at the San Diego Sports Arena for over 25 years. Her contributions have not gone unnoticed, earning her awards such as the Channel 10 Leadership Award and accolades from various organizations celebrating her work in cultural exchange and environmental stewardship.Inspiring Future GenerationsCheatom's latest endeavor, the WorldBeat Center’s Children’s Ethnobotany Peace Garden, serves as an outdoor classroom, connecting children to the origins of their food while instilling a sense of environmental stewardship. One of her recent projects focuses on the impact of noise pollution in underserved communities, demonstrating her commitment to flattening socioeconomic barriers in education and community health.Conclusion: A Cultural ForceMakeda “Dread” Cheatom is more than a cultural leader; she is a trailblazer whose work transcends genres and unites communities. Her legacy is a celebration of diversity and an acknowledgment of music's profound ability to bring people together. In a world increasingly divided by cultural divides, Cheatom’s vision of a united humanity serves as a powerful reminder of art’s potential to foster peace and understanding among all people.

02.23.2026

Chaos and Violence Erupt in Tijuana After El Mencho’s Death: What It Means for Citizens

Update The Death of a Notorious Drug LordNemesio Rubén Oseguera Cervantes, infamously known as ‘El Mencho’, was a figure that loomed large in the world of organized crime. His leadership of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG) made him one of the most wanted criminals not only in Mexico but also in the United States. This past Sunday, El Mencho’s reign came to a shocking end when the Mexican military executed a successful operation in Tapalpa, Jalisco, resulting in his death. This move marks a significant milestone in Mexico’s ongoing war against drug cartels.Violence Erupts in ResponseThe response to El Mencho’s death was immediate and chaotic. Authorities reported at least 22 incidents of violence across Baja California and other states, including Tijuana, where vehicles were set ablaze, and businesses shuttered in fear of reprisals. The impact of his assassination led to a tense atmosphere typified by roadblocks and widespread vandalism. As gunmen took to the streets, residents had no choice but to remain indoors while schools shut down and public transport was temporarily suspended.Heightened Security MeasuresIn the face of such violent outbursts, Baja California’s security forces mobilized aggressively. The governor announced enhanced security operations across the state. In addition, the United States Embassy issued a warning to American citizens, urging them to stay within their homes due to the escalating unrest and governmental operations.Expectations for the FutureWith El Mencho’s death, questions arise regarding the future of the CJNG and the potential power vacuum left in its wake. Experts predict an increase in violence as rival factions vie for control and seek to fill the leadership void left by the drug lord. Former high-ranking officials within the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration indicated that a surge in narcoterrorism reminiscent of Colombia in the 1990s could unfold as factions engage in retaliatory actions, further destabilizing the state. Long-standing concerns about the CJNG’s extensive operations in both Mexico and the U.S. hint that this situation could escalate rather than diminish without immediate intervention from law enforcement.The Cooperation Between NationsThe operation that led to El Mencho’s demise was not a unilateral action; it was underscored by cooperation between Mexican and U.S. authorities. Enhanced intelligence-sharing played a critical role in the federal operation that ultimately took down one of the drug trafficking industry's most notorious players. Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau referred to this event as a “great development” for harmony and law enforcement in both nations.ConclusionThe killing of ‘El Mencho’ is a critical chapter in the larger narrative of drug violence and governance in Mexico. As the country wrestles with ongoing cartel violence and fear, the world watches closely for what this development portends for both Mexican and American societies. History has shown that while the fall of a kingpin can be seen as a victory in the fight against organized crime, it often leads to yet another cycle of violence. In this case, vigilance and effective strategies will be vital in ensuring that the law prevails and that citizens feel safe within their neighborhoods.

02.23.2026

After El Mencho's Death: Tijuana Faces Unprecedented Violence and Turmoil

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