· By Mario Nieto
Mmmmm Cheeseburger......
Americans, like myself, love cheeseburgers as much as the two bottles of ketchup we cascade on top of—not just the fries but the burger as well (we all do that…right?). We adore them so much that we've dedicated a whole day to celebrate this savory masterpiece: National Cheeseburger Day on September 18. It's a day when we embrace the ooey-gooey goodness with open arms (and mouths).
And it's not just a select few who relish in this meaty delight. According to a May 2020 YouGov poll, a whopping 73% of respondents admitted to liking meat-based burgers, which is about as close to a unanimous vote as we're likely to get in these divided times.
Now, I know you might be thinking, 'What about toppings?' Well, we've got that covered too! In the same poll, 74% of respondents confessed that they usually slap some cheese on their burgers. Because what's a cheeseburger without the cheese? It's like a sandwich without the bread—it just doesn't quite stack up.
Now that we've established our undying love for cheeseburgers, it's time to dive into some quirky cheeseburger trivia to tickle your funny bone and stimulate your appetite.
- The Cheeseburger's Teenage Genius: It's 1924, and a 16-year-old named Lionel Sternberger is working in his dad's sandwich shop. He decides to get a little creative and plops a slice of cheese onto a hamburger, calling it a 'cheese hamburger.' His Father drops the ball, doesn't tell Lionel to drop the 'ham' and rename it 'Cheeseberger,' which a decade later is coined 'cheeseburger' thanks to Kaelin's restaurant in Louisville, Kentucky.
- A Burger Fit for a King (or a Hungry Army): Mallie's Sports Grill & Bar offers a 1,800-pound burger on their menu—for a staggering $10,000! It's not just the largest burger you can find; it's also the largest commercially available burger in the world. But if you're on a budget (and who isn't after buying a $10,000 burger?), they also serve a mere 10-pound cheeseburger for a more wallet-friendly $75. Quite the steal with quite a few less take-out boxes.
- Cheese Choices and One Clear Winner: When it comes to cheese selection for our beloved cheeseburgers, Americans have spoken loud and clear. A resounding 70% prefer American cheese. Cheddar follows closely behind at 59%, while Swiss and mozzarella trail behind. We're a nation of cheese enthusiasts, no doubt about it.
- McDonald’s Reigns Supreme: In the fast-food burger kingdom, one chain reigns supreme—McDonald’s. In 2021, it out-earned its rivals Wendy's and Burger King. It seems like those golden arches have a way of attracting burger aficionados like moths to a flame.
- Burger Meets Hot Dog (or the Other Way Around?): Just when you thought you'd seen it all, enter the burger dog. Imagine ground beef shaped like a hot dog, perfect for those days when you want a hamburger but only have hot dog buns. It's like the culinary version of a fashion statement—bold, unexpected, slightly weird perhaps? It’s okay; I won't tell.
Looking for a pairing that's anything but weird? Join us at Skylar's Gas 'n Grub today and indulge in the timeless perfection of a cheeseburger, perfectly complemented by an ice-cold Pepsi. Taste the classic combo that never goes out of style. Don't wait; satisfy your cravings now!