A Guide to Burger History through the Years
When you pick up a delicious steakburger from your local Freddy’s or smell the burgers cooking on your own grill, finally taking that first bite may be the most pressing thought on your mind, not necessarily where burgers originated or who invented burgers. Still, for any burger fans or simply curious minds, these questions may have occurred to you at some point. Keep reading to learn more about burger history and trends shaping the present and potential future of the burger experience!
The Hamburger Origin Story
Much like the combination of ingredients that eventually transforms into a mouthwatering patty, the hamburger’s origin story is also a mixture of various beginnings, moments and influences. Its present similarly reflects a blend of its past and new possibilities. Below, find answers to some of the most essential questions about where today’s burgers originated.
Where did burgers come from?
The overview of burger history at Tasting Table highlights that a recipe in what is thought to be the world’s oldest cookbook from Ancient Rome includes similar ingredients and cooking methodologies as today’s hamburgers. Essentially, smaller pieces of meat blended with various seasonings and other ingredients were made into patties. Then, they were cooked over a fire. As another point of comparison to later drive-thru dining or summer burger grilling scenarios, this patty preparation was also one that people might eat while on the move.
So, how come this dish is no longer known by something more like “Isicia Omentata”? This part of the hamburger origin story is rooted in Germany.
Why are burgers called hamburgers?
Given its ingredients, patty form, cooking and method of consumption, the idea of a hamburger as it is known today was at least a glimmer long ago in early Rome. Comparatively, the term “hamburger” is a much more recent arrival, thought to have originated in the later 1800s. Per Merriam-Webster, this word was originally used as an adjective, but its usage transformed as this German dish arrived and evolved in the United States:
The word really comes from the name of the German city Hamburg. Hamburger, when capitalized, means "of Hamburg." Cakes of ground beef, often served raw, were a popular food in northern Germany in the 19th century, and so they became known in English as Hamburger steaks. The name was later shortened to hamburger.
Interestingly, in some regions, hamburg is still used in reference to uncooked ground beef or an uncooked patty. In New England, for instance, you might find a package of Hamburg Rolls at your local grocery store and, with some hamburger origin insight in mind, can understand why that isn’t actually a misprint on the packaging!
Who invented burgers?
Much like the patty itself, a hamburger in the sense of a beef patty served in some type of bread has similarly numerous origins. From food cart providers in the streets of major cities to recognizable names like the Menches brothers, Charlie Nagreen and Louis Lassen, the assertion at Parade that many individuals contributed to the hamburger around the same time but in different places makes a lot of sense. To this day, while there may be a general agreement about a hamburger including a beef patty, there is certainly much variety in terms of what beef cuts or types of beef are utilized, not to mention the choice of seasoning, incorporation of other ingredients and the bread choice on which this patty should be served.
Big Moments in Burger History
Two key points quickly emerge in the tale of the hamburger’s origin. First, minced, ground, or otherwise chopped up beef often combined with other seasoning and presented as a patty is a common thread. Also, the likely ancestors of the hamburger were frequently enjoyed as a more portable meal option. As further explored in the hamburger origin timeline shared at Food and Wine, these threads continue in more contemporary burger history but also saw further evolution, especially in terms of types of burgers and the overall burger experience. Here are few big moments that continue to make their marks on the history of burgers:
Burger Vendors at Fairs
Due to their connection with several key individuals vying for the title of hamburger inventor, fairs in New York, Wisconsin and Missouri have a significant place in burger history. Regardless of whether or not any of these fairs were the first or only site of such innovation, they undoubtedly helped contribute to the growing awareness of the deliciousness of the beef patty in a sandwich! As remains the case today at fairs around the world, people continue to flock to food vendors offering different burger variations, from the more classic style to incredibly unique creations.
The Rise of Fast Food
While the names and locations of hamburger invention may be a subject of debate, the role of White Castle in Wichita, Kansas is undeniable. The 1950s are often heralded as the decade in which fast food chains exploded. However, in the decades before, White Castle was already offering hamburgers intentionally prepared for quick service, easy eating and in a standard format, no matter the location. As noted at Tasting Table, this restaurant chain “became a household name and pioneer of the fast food burger model [that inspired] a proliferation of burger chains.”
Summer BBQs
According to Food Republic, the number of burgers sold by just one popular fast food chain in a year totals over 2 billion burgers. However, it’s not just at these restaurants and others that burgers are often consumed. Homemade burgers, often grilled to perfection, also have an important place in burger history. Whether as part of the weekly menu or a party experience such as DIY burger bars, burgers are a crowd-pleasing meal idea for summer or any other time of year. While making that patty in your kitchen may not seem like an event for the history books, there’s no question about the significance of burgers as part of important moments for people around the world.
Elevating the Burger Experience
The early burger originated essentially as a beef patty on some bread. It was often a more affordable meal option and one made with simple ingredients. At times, fast food burgers in particular also had a reputation for being highly processed and often unhealthy. From places like fast casual restaurants to fine dining establishments, change came for the burger experience, especially toward the end of the 20th century. The type of beef used, the quality or luxury of ingredients, a greater diversity of burger toppings and other components, and the availability of customization opportunities, as well as specialty creations, contributed to the new discoveries of what burgers could be.
Expansion in the Types of Burgers
Alongside the rise of greater variety in hamburger preparation came the development of different types of burger patties. Instead of only the beef patties associated with traditional hamburgers, diners now have options such as turkey burgers, fish burgers, veggie burgers and, most recently, plant-based meat patties. While inventions like the meat grinder or the modern grill certainly impacted burger-making over the years, the availability of multiple types of burger patties at restaurants and grocery stores alike further reflects shifts in burger history and today’s burger possibilities.
Current Burger Trends
Their enjoyment as a handheld food and one that can be beef-based is likely to continue in the 21st century, as has been the case since the hamburger’s earliest roots centuries prior. Similarly, the fast food hamburger experience so central to burger history in the 20th century may be seeing some shifts, but the burger as a cornerstone at these restaurants remains. In exploring the present and future of burgers, here are several trends of note as identified at Toast:
Regional and Global Influences
From the patty itself to the various other burger components, regional burger styles and globally inspired creations continue to gain popularity in restaurants, on social media platforms and with many burger fans everywhere. Chowhound offers guides to both regional burgers found across the U.S. and burgers around the world that may inspire a future recipe search, restaurant order, or simply the use of a new seasoning in your hamburger patty or burger topping.
A Wider Range of Plant-Based Burgers
Veggie burgers have been around for decades. However, the availability of more meat-like, plant-based patties are primarily a story of the past decade. The continued growth in plant-based burger interest is due both to burger innovations that have expanded their appeal to a broader audience and to consumers driven by health and environmental considerations. Unsurprisingly, interest in sustainability is another trend guiding diners and, in turn, restaurant practices related to burgers.
Loaded Burgers
Loaded burgers are the perfect platform for many current burger trends. After all, the primary objective of a loaded burger is indulgence. While these burgers can simply be created with just more of your usual toppings like cheese, bacon or veggies, they also provide the opportunity to explore creative or artisanal components. From specialty sauces to thin slices of prime rib and sauteed portobello mushrooms as available on the Prime Rib Steakburger, the tasty possibilities in creating a loaded burger are numerous.
Spicy Burgers
One reason the burger endures is because of its versatility. A plain hamburger patty might be the one thing a picky toddler might eat, but other burgers like spicy burgers may offer the kind of exciting and unique flavor other diners are craving. However, as clarified at The Food Institute, the heat people are looking for today is more about flavor than a sense of danger, which is why “swicy” (a sweet and hot taste) burgers are a popular approach.
Unique Cooking Methods for Burgers
The smash burger with its crispy crust yet juicy interior is a burger technique that is not likely to go away anytime soon. In fact, the National Restaurant Association highlights this particular menu item as one of the “Top 10 Overall Trends” in its recent Culinary Forecast. However, other methods like smoking burgers are also being utilized by chefs. By exploring other cooking methods, not just the tried-and-true approaches, chefs can create new flavor and textural experiences for diners.
Freddy’s Steakburgers: Inspired by History, Looking toward the Future
Customization, value and innovation are just some of the reasons that guests have enjoyed Freddy’s steakburgers for over 20 years. With 580 restaurants currently in operation and others on the horizon, Freddy’s has made a name for itself and its burgers both in the United States and Canada. Below, find out how Freddy’s continues to honor burger history, respond to ongoing trends and anticipate the future.
Like another important restaurant chain in burger history, Freddy’s started with a single restaurant in Wichita, Kansas. Along with a commitment to hospitality, cleanliness and timeless traditions, the focus at Freddy’s since its beginnings in 2002 has been quality, specifically through the selection of fresh, made-to-order food. For our steakburgers, we start by pressing them thin to create flavorful, crispy edges and serve them up hot. Creating a specialty seasoning for our burgers, Freddy’s Famous Steakburger and Fry Seasoning®, and offering a range of incredible flavor combinations and customization options further illustrates some cornerstones of our dedication to a burger experience that keeps guests coming back again and again.
In addition to thoughtful seasoning and the availability of our delicious burgers for carry-out and delivery, as well as dine-in, we offer more traditional burger preparations as well as steakburgers inspired by current trends and guest preferences. Menu selections such as the Single Steakburger served on a toasted bun with one delicious patty, cheese and other familiar toppings like mustard and pickles take a more classic burger approach. Besides the rotating limited-time only steakburgers, permanent menu fixtures like the Jalapeño Pepper Jack Double with its spicy specialty sauce, Freddy’s Famous Jalapeño Fry Sauce®, or the availability of a lettuce wrap instead of a bun also align with some of the more recent trends in burger history.
For many Freddy’s guests and diners today, health is a key consideration. The availability of a veggie burger, the opportunity to customize burgers and the transparency of our nutrition and allergen guide are a few of the ongoing ways we have tried to accommodate our guests' diverse preferences. Most recently, our new lineup of bowls provides yet another alternative to the traditional burger format, as well as the “add a patty” approach to incorporating more protein. Selections like the Steakburger Bowl also offer the kind of high protein menu item that many guests are searching for.
The Designation of Burger-Oriented Holidays
Despite lingering questions about hamburger origin, it's indisputable that burgers are one of the most beloved foods in history. As a testament to the continued impact of burgers in people’s lives, several dates are set aside each year to honor different burgers, as well as the fast-food chains and features that made them so popular, like National Drive-Thru Day in July! Below, find 5 important dates that burger enthusiasts may not want to miss and how each one reflects the evolution of burgers throughout the years:
National Steakburger Day
At Freddy’s, National Steakburger Day on February 24 is a particularly special day for our guests to enjoy one of the many steakburgers on our menu. Echoing the hamburger’s steak-related origins, this date is designated for celebrating burgers made with higher quality steak cuts in burger patties and thus a more elevated burger experience.
International Burger Day and National Hamburger Day
On May 28 each year, people have the opportunity to celebrate the simple joy of the hamburger, as well as the love for this day and variations of it found all over the world. Fittingly, these two unofficial food holidays happen during National Burger Month. At a time when the weather starts to warm up and more and more people start getting those grills going, this month offers many opportunities for burger-oriented festivities.
National Double Cheeseburger Day and National Cheeseburger Day
On September 15 and September 18 respectively, the cheeseburger’s special place in the hearts of burger enthusiasts has its time to shine. From doubling up on the patties and the cheese or experimenting with the best cheeses for burgers, these dates in particular call for adding this tasty burger with one of the most celebrated burger toppings to your menu plans.
National Burger Day
Given its history, it’s no surprise that so many opportunities to celebrate burgers appear in the collection of fast food holidays at National Today. National Burger Day on August 27 is also an even more inclusive occasion, inviting an appreciation of all types of burgers.
National Veggie Burger Day
Also illustrating the popularity of other types of burgers, not just beefy hamburgers, June 5 is National Veggie Burger Day. Often made with ingredients like beans, assorted vegetables, mushrooms and grains, it’s becoming easier and easier to find this food outside of home kitchens or sit-down restaurants, as has long been the case for the hamburger. For example, Freddy’s offers a Veggie Burger Combo that features a customizable black bean burger with a choice of side and drink or frozen custard treat.
From the various predecessors of the hamburger to the evolving trends and developments in burger creation, the journey of this beloved food will no doubt continue decades or even centuries to come. As part of special gatherings, quick meals, and more, burgers can be a comforting feature of everyday life as well as an opportunity for adventure. At Freddy’s, we proudly offer a variety of delicious steakburgers to our guests, as well as many other tasty sandwiches and frozen custard treats. To check out our available offerings or find the Freddy’s near you, please download the Freddy’s app on Google Play or the App Store today!