An interview with co-owner Joe Sorge

It’s been a little over 5 months to the day that I was first introduced to the Milwaukee phenomenon that is AJ Bombers.  Ever since Phil Gerbyshak nominated the place for the Purple Goldfish Project (they are #152), I’ve been dying to visit the place. Here is my original AJ Bombers post on ‘the laziest day of the year’ . . . January 2nd.   I can get a great burger in a dozen places . . . but I wanted to experience AJ Bombers and specifically chat with the co-owner Joe Sorge.

Last Monday I made the pilgrimage to Water Street in downtown Milwaukee.  Here is a video of my conversation with Joe Sorge with a couple of cameos by Phil Gerbyshak (@philgerb) and Kevin O’Malley of 1st Screen Mobile (@kfom):

Businesses that really get the concept of the ‘Purple Goldfish’ usually have a handful they employ.

Here is a rundown of the Top 5 from AJ Bombers:

1. P-nut Bomber – a signature way to deliver peanuts to the respective booths.  One word – genius
2. Oversize Beach Chairs – a couple larger than life beach chairs.  You feel like a silly little kid while sitting (but isn’t that the point)
3. Quad Cow – take on the quad cow at AJ Bombers.  After you’ve swallowed the last bite of your four patty burger you can sign your name on the sacred cow that adorns the wall
4. Sharpies – grab a marker and leave you name or Twitter handle on the wall.  You are now part of AJ Bombers
5. Streamlined menu – your menu is a narrow piece of paper that details the various burgers.  Grab a pencil and start writing . . . choose wisely

Today’s Lagniappe (a little something extra) – Look for AJ Bombers this summer on the Food Channel.  They will be featured on Food Wars where they will go up against fellow legendary Burger joint Sobelman’s. Stay tuned in August.

HELP me catch another 617 purple goldfish for a great cause.

FISHERMEN WANTED: Click here to send me your example