National Cheesburger Day

Juicy cheeseburger being held by a smiling person at a retro-style diner, with checkered tablecloth and 50s fashion.. — National cheesburger day illustration

Welcome to the delicious world of National Cheeseburger Day! Get ready to sink your teeth into a juicy and mouthwatering history of this delectable day.

When is Cheesburger Day?

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

The Birth of National Cheeseburger Day

What do you get when you combine a succulent beef patty, melted cheese, and a soft, toasted bun? You guessed it, a cheeseburger! This iconic culinary creation has its own special day of celebration, and that day is September 18th: National Cheeseburger Day.

But how did this marvel of meat and cheese come into existence? The origins of the cheeseburger are a bit hazy, but one theory suggests that it was invented by a 16-year-old named Lionel Sternberger in Pasadena, California. Legend has it that in 1926, young Lionel was working at his father's sandwich shop when he decided to add a slice of cheese to a customer's hamburger order. Voilà! The cheeseburger was born. Whether or not this tale is true, we'll never know for sure, but one thing's for certain – we owe a debt of gratitude to Lionel for his cheesy ingenuity.

Celebrating National Cheeseburger Day

So how can you pay homage to the cheeseburger on this special day? Here are a few tasty ideas:

Gather your loved ones and organize a cheeseburger-themed cookout. Fire up the grill, pile on the toppings, and savor every mouthful of cheesy goodness.
Visit your favorite burger joint and indulge in their signature cheeseburger. Bonus points if you pair it with a side of fries and a milkshake!
Challenge your friends to a cheeseburger-eating contest. May the hungriest hamburger lover win!

Fun Cheeseburger Fact

Did you know that the world's largest cheeseburger weighed a whopping 2,014 pounds? It was created in 2012 and measured 10 feet in diameter. That's one colossal cheeseburger!

History behind the term 'Cheesburger'

1926

The Birth of the Cheeseburger

The term 'cheeseburger' was first coined in 1926 in Pasadena, California. Lionel Sternberger, a 16-year-old fry cook at his father's sandwich shop called 'The Rite Spot,' decided to experiment with adding a slice of American cheese to a hamburger. This innovative combination proved to be a hit among locals, and the cheeseburger was born.

1924

The Birth of the Cheeseburger

The term 'cheeseburger' was first coined in 1924 by Lionel Sternberger, a young cook in Pasadena, California. While experimenting in his father's sandwich shop, Sternberger decided to add a slice of cheese to a hamburger patty. The resulting creation was an instant hit and quickly gained popularity among his customers.

1935

Trademarking the Term

In 1935, the term 'cheeseburger' was officially trademarked by Louis Ballast of the Humpty Dumpty Drive-In in Denver, Colorado. Ballast wanted to protect his unique creation, which consisted of a ground beef patty with melted cheese on a bun. This trademark ensured that the term would be associated with his establishment and helped popularize the cheeseburger nationwide.

1926

Trademarking the Cheeseburger

In 1926, Lionel Sternberger trademarked the term 'cheeseburger', officially recognizing his invention. This move helped safeguard his unique creation and ensured that he would be associated with the iconic sandwich for years to come.

1937

Cheeseburger Recognition by the Wall Street Journal

The cheeseburger gained widespread recognition in 1937 when it was mentioned in the Wall Street Journal. The publication described the cheeseburger as a 'solid meal in itself' and highlighted its increasing popularity across the country. This mention in a prominent newspaper helped solidify the cheeseburger's status as a beloved American food.

1934

Cheeseburger Goes National

The cheeseburger's popularity continued to grow throughout the 1930s. As more diners and restaurants started serving this delectable combination of meat and cheese, it became an item of national culinary importance, solidifying its place in American culture.

1950s

Fast Food Chains Embrace the Cheeseburger

The 1950s marked the rise of fast food chains across America, and the cheeseburger quickly became a staple menu item in many of these establishments. McDonald's, Burger King, and other iconic chains recognized the appeal of the cheeseburger and made it a centerpiece of their menus, contributing to its widespread popularity.

1940s

Fast Food Chains Embrace the Cheeseburger

During the 1940s, major fast food chains such as McDonald's and Burger King began offering their own versions of the cheeseburger. These chains played a significant role in popularizing the cheeseburger not only within the United States but also internationally. The cheeseburger became a symbol of American fast food culture and found its way onto menus worldwide.

The Present

Cheeseburger Variations and Popularity

Today, the cheeseburger remains an iconic American dish enjoyed in various forms and with countless toppings. From classic cheeseburgers with lettuce, tomatoes, and pickles to gourmet creations featuring exotic cheeses and unique flavor combinations, there is a cheeseburger to satisfy every palate. It has become a staple in backyard barbecues, diners, and upscale restaurants, cementing its place in American food culture.

2000s

Cheeseburgers Go Gourmet

In the 2000s, gourmet cheeseburgers started gaining attention. Restaurants and chefs began putting their own unique spin on the classic sandwich, experimenting with various types of cheeses, toppings, and flavors. This culinary innovation elevated the cheeseburger into a versatile and sophisticated dish, expanding its appeal to a broader audience.