National Cheeseburger Day

Cheeseburger lover taking a satisfying bite of a juicy cheeseburger, dressed in a checkered picnic outfit, enjoying a sunny park setting.. — National cheeseburger day illustration

Welcome, cheeseburger lovers, to a day devoted entirely to your favorite bun and patty combo! Whether you like yours with pickles or without, with bacon or not, it seems like everyone's got an opinion on what makes the perfect cheeseburger. Learn more about your beloved National Cheeseburger Day below.

When is Cheeseburger Day?

It's national cheeseburger day on the 18th September.

A Cheesy History

Oh, the cheeseburger. A simple yet satisfying arrangement of beef, cheese, and the occasional slice of tomato. But how did we get to declaring a national day for it? The road is as juicy as the burgers we grill.

The cheeseburger is said to have made its delightful debut in the 1920s when a young chef named Lionel Sternberger melted a slice of cheese onto a sizzle burger at his father's restaurant in Pasadena, California. Since then, the cheeseburger has become a staple in American cuisine and has captured the hearts (and stomachs) of people worldwide.

Grilling Online for Cheeseburger Day

Here at WhatNationalDayIsIt.com, we've tracked down 64878 mentions of National Cheeseburger Day online, with the Internet hitting peak cheeseburger love on the 18th of September 2015. While every September cheeseburger enthusiasm escalates, it looks like that year was bursting at the buns with excitement!

How We Celebrate

Many use this day as an excuse to gather friends and family (or just themselves, we don't judge), fire up the grill, and enjoy a classic cheeseburger. Some even step it up by organizing cheeseburger-themed parties, contests and more! Restaurants also join the celebration offering deals and limited-time creations. So really, there's no wrong way to celebrate National Cheeseburger Day as long as it involves a cheese-smothered patty, we're good to go!

History behind the term 'Cheeseburger'

1926

The Birth of the Hamburger

In 1926, the term 'cheeseburger' had yet to be coined, but the iconic American hamburger was already making waves. The hamburger, a ground beef patty sandwiched between two pieces of bread, was becoming increasingly popular in fast-food joints and diners across the United States. It was a symbol of American culture and the rise of the fast-food industry.

1924

Adding Cheese to the Hamburger

Two years prior, in 1924, a 16-year-old Lionel Sternberger revolutionized the hamburger world by adding a slice of cheese to a burger at the Rite Spot, his father's sandwich shop in Pasadena, California. This became the first recorded instance of someone adding cheese to a hamburger, laying the foundation for the future creation of the cheeseburger.

1928

The First Printed Mention of 'Cheeseburger'

The term 'cheeseburger' first appeared in print in an advertisement in the Los Angeles Times on December 5, 1928. A restaurant called O'Dell's in Los Angeles advertised, 'O'Dell's Restaurant - Cheeseburgers - 10 cents.' This marked the first documented usage of the term, cementing its place in culinary history.

1935

The Cheeseburger Gains Popularity

By the mid-1930s, the cheeseburger had gained significant popularity. It began appearing on menus in diners and restaurants across the country. The addition of cheese to the hamburger not only enhanced its flavor, but it also added a new level of indulgence and deliciousness that quickly captured the taste buds of Americans.

1940s

Cheeseburger Becomes a Staple American Food

During the 1940s, the cheeseburger solidified its position as a staple American food. The post-World War II era saw a surge in fast-food culture, with the cheeseburger at the forefront. The widespread popularity of fast-food chains like McDonald's, Burger King, and Wendy's during this time helped propel the cheeseburger into the hearts and stomachs of millions.

1987

National Cheeseburger Day is Established

National Cheeseburger Day was established in 1987 by Lionel Sternberger's son, Charlie Sternberger. He wanted to honor his father's contribution to the world of hamburgers and cheeseburgers by designating a special day to celebrate this beloved culinary delight. Since then, every September 18th is celebrated as National Cheeseburger Day, a day when people indulge in their favorite cheeseburger creations.