ODU and local food truck Ghost Kitchen to introduce the latest licensed food item in a growing lineup to support student scholarships.
NORFOLK, Va. – (Nov. 21, 2024) – Blake Sehestedt likes to make people smile.
And there will be plenty of smiles to go around this Saturday, Nov. 23, at the Monarchs’ football game against Marshall when Sehestedt, owner and operator of Ghost Kitchen, officially debuts the Big Blue Smash Burger.
Created in partnership with Old Dominion University, the Big Blue Smash Burger will feature two smashed and seared beef patties, seasoned with Big Blue Belly Rub and topped with American cheese, lettuce, tomato, onions and a special mayo that incorporates both the rub and Big Blue Q barbecue sauce.
Add to that a brioche bun, hot-iron branded with either the University’s athletic crown logo or an image of Big Blue, and there’s a burger Monarch fans can really sink their teeth into.
Born in California, Sehestedt has deep family ties to Norfolk and has lived here on several occasions, sandwiched around attending the Culinary Institute of America and working for the Michelin star-rated Thomas Keller Restaurant Group.
“ODU is such a staple here in Norfolk,” Sehestedt said. “You’ve been in Norfolk for 10 minutes, you find out about ODU… Community is very important, and feeding people is a part of that.”
Following Saturday’s game, the burger will be available year-round at both Ghost Kitchen and Smartmouth Brewery in Norfolk, where the food truck has a permanent location.
Royalties from each sale will go to ODU’s general scholarship fund.
“That’s the coolest part,” Sehestedt said. “It makes me feel like I’m more a part of that community. I didn’t go to ODU, but it makes me feel like I have some kind of seat at the table, helping in just a small way.”
The Big Blue Smash Burger is the latest in a line of ODU-licensed consumables, in partnership with local businesses, that have provided scholarship money. Since August 2023, combined royalties from New Realm’s ODU Golden Ale, The Dirty Buffalo’s Big Blue Q and Big Blue Belly Rub, and Lolly’s Ice Cream and Cake flavor have totaled nearly $15,000.
That accounts for $377,000 in total sales.
“This launch aligns with our commitment to collaborating with local businesses to expand the ODU brand,” ODU Executive Director of Licensing Brian Eubank said. “This initiative provides our fans and community a delicious way to showcase their ODU pride while supporting local entrepreneurs and reinforcing our dedication to academic success and community growth.”
Those local ties are the draw for Sehestedt. A firm believer in Norfolk’s embrace of “mom and pop” businesses, as he put it, he’s especially proud of being able to utilize The Dirty Buffalo’s sauce and dry rub in his recipe.
Creating a burger that will practically scream Norfolk and ODU.
“[ODU is] a big presence here,” Sehestedt said, “and it’s really cool to be able to work with them, to be able to offer something that’s unique that ties back to the community.”
Old Dominion University (ODU), located in Norfolk, is Virginia’s forward-focused public doctoral research university with more than 24,000 students. A top R1 research institution offering rigorous academics, ODU is recognized nationally for academic excellence, social mobility and access. Military friendly and home to an energetic residential community and robust initiatives that currently contribute $3.8 billion annually to Virginia’s economy, ODU is a leader in the commonwealth. Macon & Joan Brock Virginia Health Sciences at Old Dominion University, founded July 1, 2024, represents the most comprehensive health sciences center in the Commonwealth of Virginia.
