Back before conglomerates ate up local TV, commercials for regional haunts had that charming produced-in-the-basement feel. Growing up in southeastern Michigan, I remember the "tricycles and red pop" of Faygo, having a Farrell's birthday party that looked a lot like this and wishing there was a Sign of the Beefcarver close by so I could take part in "the recipe for fun."
The Web has let the spirit of free enterprise return to anyone creative enough to harness it. That's why I like this commercial for Juan's Flying Burrito, a Mexican restaurant chain in New Orleans.
Dave Greengold -- who juggles a job as the chain's head of operations with performing in the city's only Latin soul band, Los Po-Boy-Citos, yes, little Po'Boys -- has transformed himself into a tortilla troubadour, singing of "burritos as big as your face."
If that doesn't make you hungry, a local commercial for Mr. Sprigg's BBQ in Oklahoma City certainly will. It caught the attention of Will Ferrell, who helped make Cam's jingle for "some of that mmm, mmm good, meat falls off the bone" barbecue become a viral hit.
"I want that S-P-R-I-G-G-S, when I'm dealing with Mr. Spriggs, I'm only dealing with the best." I wish they delivered.
Slashfoodies, do you have any local jingles -- past or present -- that demand a second look?
(Full Disclosure: I've known Dave since the mid-1990s when we DJ'd back-to-back at WTUL-FM).














