Since Wednesday, September 18 is National Cheeseburger Day, it’s a great time to celebrate all things cheeseburger and save money doing it.
According to Wikipedia, the vast grasslands of the Great Plains had been opened up for cattle ranching by the late 19th century. This made it possible for Americans to begin consuming beef almost on a daily basis. The hamburger remains one of the cheapest forms of beef in the United States.
Adding cheese to said hamburgers became popular in the 1920s. There are several competing claims as to who created the first cheeseburger but the most popular claim celebrates its 100 anniversary this year.
While several entities claim to have invented the popular food item, Lionel Sternberger is reputed to have introduced the cheeseburger in 1924 at the age of 16. He was working as a fry cook at his father’s sandwich shop in Pasadena, CA, “The Rite Spot.” As an experiment, young Sternberger is said to have dropped a piece of American cheese onto a sizzling burger. The rest, as they say, is history.
The largest cheeseburger ever made weighed 2,014 pounds (914 kg). It is said to have included “60 pounds (27 kg) of bacon, 50 pounds (23 kg) of lettuce, 50 pounds (23 kg) of sliced onions, 40 pounds (18 kg) of pickles, and 40 pounds (18 kg) of cheese.” This record was set in 2012 by Minnesota’s Black Bear Casino, smashing the previous record of 881 pounds (400 kg).
Are we hungry yet?
A few local restaurants are offering some much-appreciated discounts. McDonald’s is offering 50-cent double cheeseburgers when they’re ordered in its app (when they started selling burgers in 1948, they cost a nickel).
Wendy’s is selling junior bacon cheeseburgers for a penny through September 22; in order to get this price, you must purchase something else from their menu on the app.
Burger King is giving away a free cheeseburger with one dollar purchase through its app.
These deals are subject to local participation. If you’re heading out for a good cheeseburger today, check with other local restaurants and ask if they’re offering any specials.
Happy eating!
