Hardest Food Challenges in the Ark-La-Tex: The “Betcha Can’t” Burger

If you live in Longview, you already know that The Butcher Shop is a local staple. It’s that reliable spot we all sneak off to when we need a fix of those famous, delicious pies or a fresh-baked cookie. But for me, it’s always been about the lunch.

Their burgers are top-tier, and I have a personal weakness for their homemade french fries, they’re exactly what a burger joint fry should be.

I have stepped foot into The Butcher Shop countless times over the years, but it has never been to try to take on one of the heftiest food challenges in the entire Ark-La-Tex. It’s called the "Betcha Can't" challenge, and honestly? The name is pretty accurate.

This is, hands down, the largest burger I have ever seen. We aren't talking about a double patty here; we’re talking about five pounds of hamburger meat stacked on top of two of the largest buns in existence. But the kitchen doesn't stop there. To complete the challenge, you also have to down two pounds of french fries.

When you do the math, you’re looking at nearly nine pounds of food hitting your stomach at once.

The truly crazy part? The time limit. This challenge has a bit of a legendary reputation for being unbeatable. It originally started as a 60-minute challenge, and then it was lowered to 45 minutes. But since nobody was winning, they reportedly dropped the hammer and moved the clock to just 30 minutes.

Who is brave (or crazy) enough to try that? Meet Bob Shoudt, aka Notorious BOB. This professional eater came to Longview with one goal: to be the first person to ever defeat the "Betcha Can't." On his YouTube channel, BOB documented the journey, noting that he was already "dragging" after eating nearly 13 pounds of food the day before. Even with the odds against him and a ticking clock, Notorious BOB pulled it off.

He is currently the only person to have ever dominated this beast of a burger. However, he set that record back in 2021. It’s been a few years, Longview, is there anyone left in the 903 or the 318 with the appetite to take the crown in 2026?