National Cheeseburger Day

Next Wednesday, 18 September 2024

National Cheeseburger Day is observed every year on September 18th to celebrate the American classic food-cheeseburger. 

No one can resist a good cheeseburger and fries, and this is the perfect day to indulge in this classic food. Many restaurants have National Cheeseburger Day offers, where you can get your burger at a discounted price or even for free!

cheeseburger

The Origin of the National Cheeseburger Day

There are no clear records as to when the day originated but it is believed to be a marketing move by the food industry to promote and celebrate the cheeseburger. Some people think that it began being observed in the 1920s when America's favorite burger was created.

History of the Cheeseburger

Lionel Sternberger is credited with creating the cheeseburger when he was only 16. In 1926, Lionel was working at his dad's sandwich shop, the Rite Spot, in California.

There are a few different versions of how he created the first-ever cheeseburger. However, the most popular is that, while cooking on the griddle, Lionel decided to try adding a piece of American cheese onto the hamburger that he was frying.

The cheeseburger quickly became popular with customers, and the Rite Spot in Pasadena is considered to be the birthplace of the cheeseburger. 

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The cheeseburger is such an American classic that many restaurants claim to be the place where the cheeseburger was invented.

One of them is Kaelin's Restaurant in Louisville, which claims the cheeseburger originated there in 1934. In 1935, Louis Ballast was awarded the trademark for the name cheeseburger, for his restaurant in Denver. The founder of Steak 'n Shake also applied for a trademark on a cheeseburger in the 1930s. However, the first instance of the cheeseburger appearing on a menu was in 1928, at O'Dell's in Los Angeles, where they sold a cheeseburger with chili for 25 cents. 

Fast-forward to today and the iconic sandwich is still as loved now as it ever was. So much so, that over 50 billion burgers are enjoyed by Americans each year, and the humble burger has also spread throughout the entire globe.

A classic american cheeseburger
An iconic American classic. The mighty cheeseburger in all its glory.

What to do on National Cheeseburger Day

Take advantage of the many National Cheeseburger Day specials and deals and go eat your favorite cheeseburger for a discounted price. Better yet, look out for restaurants near you that are giving away free burgers! Of course, you can enjoy your favorite burger at any of the popular chain restaurants such as Five Guys, In-N-Out Burger, Wendy’s, Red Robin, McDonald’s, and Burger King, but consider also supporting some of your local, independent burger joints who will often get even more creative with experimental and gourmet options.

As an alternative, fire up your grill and cook some delicious cheeseburgers yourself. The good thing about having your own cookout is that you can try any combinations that you would like, and experiment with different cheeses and new ingredients! There are plenty of recipes and suggestions out there to help you create your very own showstopper!

However, if you choose to celebrate this delicious day, be sure to go all out and enjoy your cheeseburger with some fries, a stack of onion rings, a shake, or an ice-cold drink.

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