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Jean’s Hamburgers, Salchidogo Unite Menus on Basilio Badillo
Jean’s Hamburgers, a local favorite known for its American-style smash burgers, is reopening Friday within the Salchidogo restaurant in the Zona Romantica neighborhood after closing its original location in March, 2025.
The return comes through a licensing agreement between Jean’s founders, Hal and Eneida Hilton, and Salchidogo owners Philip Wier and Brian Scott Carey. Salchidogo, located at 329 Basilio Badillo, will now offer Jean’s signature burgers alongside its gourmet hot dogs.
Jean’s Hamburgers first opened Jan. 14, 2014, in Plaza Marina, gaining a following for its consistent quality and fresh ingredients. Hal Hilton, who named the restaurant after his mother, said the closure came unexpectedly late last year.
“Our landlord sent a text message from his assistant. We need the property back. You’re not going to renew our lease? No,” Hilton recounted. We were given until the end of March to vacate.
The partnership with Salchidogo emerged unexpectedly. Carey had expressed interest in buying Jean’s over a year ago, but the process stalled. Then, by chance, Carey and Wier visited Jean’s on its final day of operation.
“By coincidence, he just happened to show up on the last day,” Hilton said. “We consider it a divine appointment.”
Carey shared the sentiment. “I’ve been in love with Jean’s for years,” he said. “I get to sell the best hot dogs in Vallarta and I get to sell the best hamburgers in Vallarta. It’s like a match made in heaven.”
Jean’s popularity stems from its consistent preparation, according to the founders. “Everything is fresh and made from scratch,” Hilton said. “Everything is weighed so everything is the same. Uniform consistency… I think what makes it so good is that it’s the same every time.”
Carey highlighted the “smash burger” technique Jean’s employed before it became a trend. “A thin patty that’s really charred and crispy and griddled and caramelized. Comfort food, American diner style,” he described.
The menu at Salchidogo will feature Jean’s original burgers, including the Oklahoma Onion burger and others. Prices will start at $90 pesos for a single patty cheeseburger, $125 pesos for a burger, and a combo including a side and drink priced at $225 pesos. A grand opening special combo will be offered for $200 pesos.
While home delivery isn’t available immediately, Carey said it will eventually be offered through platforms like UberEats and Rappi. Plans also include adding Jean’s popular milkshakes, floats, and brisket sandwich in the future, likely starting with shakes and floats during the summer low season.
“We wanted to eventually add a burger,” Wier said of Salchidogo’s plans. “But when this opportunity came up to have the best burger… combined with Salchidogo, we thought it was just a no brainer. It just seemed like the perfect marriage.”
The Hiltons are assisting with the transition and training Salchidogo’s staff to ensure the recipes and techniques are maintained. “We’re helping the transition from here to their kitchen,” Hal Hilton said, adding they will eventually be phased out but remain “spiritually involved.” The Hilton’s magic touch is now focused on La Sugar, their delivery-only bakery which features fresh cinnamon rolls.
Customer reaction to the news has been enthusiastic, Hilton noted. “They’re extremely happy… People are even traveling from Bucerias. Our customer base is all over. They’re very happy. And they all say… this is a great location for them.”
Wier added, “Same burgers, new location… with air conditioning,” highlighting a frequently requested amenity absent at the previous open-air site.
Jean’s Hamburgers begins service at Salchidogo on Friday, May 2, 2025.
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