How to Make the Original Hot Shoppes Mighty Mo Burger

Few people know that the mighty Marriott corporation got its start as a small restaurant in Washington, D.C. That restaurant, founded in 1927, soon grew into a chain of Hot Shoppes restaurants all over the D.C. area. Sadly, the last Hot Shoppes closed its doors in 1999, but many who lived the D.C. area in the 50s, 60s and 70s still wax nostalgic about the one and only Mighty Mo. This recipe won't quite recreate the whole nostalgic Hot Shoppes experience, but at least it's a darn good burger.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• 1/2 c. ketchup (Hunt's was the brand Hot Shoppes used)
• 1/4 c. chili sauce
• 1 1/2 tsp. A-1 steak sauce
• 1/2 tsp. Worcestershire sauce
• 2 drops Tabasco sauce
• 1/2 c. finely chopped sweet pickle
• 1 1/4 c. mayonnaise
• 1 whole (uncut) sesame seed hamburger roll
• 1 tbsp. softened margarine
• 2 hamburger patties, each weighing 2 oz.
• Salt and white pepper to taste
• 1 tbsp. shredded lettuce
• 1 slice American cheese
• 4 tsp. Mighty Mo sauce
• 2 dill pickle chips

How to Make the Mighty Mo Sauce

1. Mix the ketchup, chili sauce, and A-1. Stir in the Worcestershire and Tabasco sauces.
2. Add the chopped sweet pickle to the ketchup mix. Stir in the mayonnaise until well-blended.
3. Store in a tightly-capped jar. Refrigerate until ready to use.

How to Put Together the Mighty Mo Burger

4. Cut the hamburger roll crosswise into 3 equal slices. Spread the bottom, top and one side of the center slice of the bun with the margarine. Grill the bun until it is lightly browned and warm throughout.
5. Shape the hamburger into 2 thin 4" diameter patties. Grill the first patty very lightly on both sides, being careful not to overcook.
6. Grill the second hamburger very lightly on one side. Flip it over and top it with American cheese, continue to grill lightly until the bottom is done.
7. Spread 2 teaspoons of Mighty Mo sauce on the bottom of the roll. Top the sauce with the shredded lettuce, then add the hamburger.
8. Top the hamburger with the middle layer of bun, grilled side up. Spread the top of this bun with the remaining Mighty Mo sauce.
9. Top the middle bun with the cheeseburger. Place the pickle chips on top of the cheese, then cover with the top bun.