National Cheeseburger Day 🍔

Overview

National Cheeseburger Day is an annual celebration observed on September 18th, dedicated to one of America's most popular and iconic dishes: the cheeseburger. It's a day for culinary enthusiasts to enjoy various iterations of the classic combination of a savory patty topped with melted cheese, served on a bun with an array of condiments and toppings, often celebrated with special deals and promotions from restaurants nationwide.

Origin and story

While its exact origin is debated, Lionel Sternberger is often credited with commercially serving one of the first cheeseburgers in the mid-1920s at The Rite Spot in Pasadena, California.

The earliest known trademark for the name 'cheeseburger' was granted in 1935 to Louis Ballast of the Humpty Dumpty Drive-In in Denver, Colorado.

Quick facts

• DateSeptember 18
• TypeFood / Dessert
• Great forFoodies, Chocolate lovers, Home bakers

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Ways to celebrate

At least four different restaurants across four different states have a real, documented claim to inventing the cheeseburger — the dispute goes back to the 1920s and 1930s and has never been definitively settled.

Have one

Celebrate by:

• Getting an actual cheeseburger today instead of a plain burger.
• Trying a regional variation, like a chili cheeseburger, instead of the standard version.

See the surprisingly contested history

Helpful resources:

• The 12,000-Year Journey of the Cheeseburger (Carnegie Museum of Natural History)

Did you know?

A Denver drive-in owner named Louis Ballast actually trademarked the word "cheeseburger" in 1935 — a full decade after a teenage Pasadena cook named Lionel Sternberger was already being credited, inconsistently, with inventing the dish itself.

Fun facts

• While its exact origin is debated, Lionel Sternberger is often credited with commercially serving one of the first cheeseburgers in the mid-1920s at The Rite Spot in Pasadena, California.
• The earliest known trademark for the name 'cheeseburger' was granted in 1935 to Louis Ballast of the Humpty Dumpty Drive-In in Denver, Colorado.
• American cheese is the most popular choice for cheeseburgers due to its excellent melting qualities and mild flavor.

Sources and attribution

The 12,000-Year Journey of the Cheeseburger (Carnegie Museum of Natural History)

External links may lead to third-party websites.

Continue your streak

Open one more holiday before you go to build daily momentum.

• Yesterday: National Apple Dumpling DayQuick context from the day before.
• Tomorrow: Butterscotch Pudding DayKeep the streak going with tomorrow's pick.
• Random pick: National Cheesecake DayJump to another surprise holiday.
• Popular: National Chocolate Chip Cookie DayA fan favorite with broad appeal.

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• National Chocolate Chip DayExplore another holiday from this category.
• National Chocolate-covered Anything DayExplore another holiday from this category.
• National Chocolate Covered Pretzel DayExplore another holiday from this category.

FAQ

When is National Cheeseburger Day?

It is observed on September 18 each year.

What is National Cheeseburger Day?

National Cheeseburger Day is an annual celebration observed on September 18th, dedicated to one of America's most popular and iconic dishes: the cheeseburger. It's a day for culinary enthusiasts to enjoy various iterations of the classic combination of a savory patty topped with melted cheese, served on a bun with an array of condiments and toppings, often celebrated with special deals and promotions from restaurants nationwide.

How do people celebrate National Cheeseburger Day?

Get an actual cheeseburger and try a regional variation, like a chili cheeseburger, instead of the standard version.

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