Burgers are one of the most iconic foods in American cuisine, embodying the country’s values of convenience, indulgence and comfort.
The simple sandwich has roots dating back to the 19th century. Although its exact origin is debated, the idea of sandwiching a beef patty between two slices of bread gained traction in the US in the late 1800s, with several claims attributing its invention to home cooks or market vendors.
From Street Stands to the Golden Arches: How Fast Food Burgers Took Over America
In the early 20th century, the hamburger became part of American street food culture, popularized by food stands and eateries. In 1921, White Castle became the first fast-food hamburger chain, marking the beginning of the mass commercialization of the hamburger. The post-World War II economic boom further cemented the hamburger’s status in American culture with the emergence of drive-ins that cater to the country’s growing car-centric lifestyle. However, it was the opening McDonald’s in 1940 that revolutionized restaurants with its assembly line system of food preparation, setting the standard for fast food that prioritized speed, consistency and affordability. By the late 1950s, McDonald’s had become synonymous with the American hamburger and was rapidly expanding across the US.
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Along with the Golden Arches, fast-food chains like Burger King and Wendy’s hamburgers popularized and exported the concept around the world, making the hamburger one of the most recognized and appreciated foods globally. According to IBISWorld, by 2024, the fast-food industry will be valued at US$402.9 billion in the USA, with McDonald’s being the most valuable quick service food brandaccording to a 2024 report from QSR Magazine.
In recent years, the burger has gone beyond the basic burger to embrace new trends, such as rise of the smash burger – with its thin, crispy burger smashed on a hot grill – offering a gourmet twist on the classic burger. Restaurants and food trucks have embraced the trend, elevating the humble burger into a culinary experience that combines nostalgia with modern food culture.
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From the first cheeseburger to today’s artisan burgers, the evolution of the burger reflects both the dish’s enduring popularity and its ability to adapt to changing tastes and trends, ensuring its place as a cornerstone of American food culture. To see which chains are serving the most beloved burgers across the country, Forklift collected YouGov Reviews (current as of Q3 2024) to rank the top 20 burger chains in America. The list was ordered by the percentage of respondents who liked the restaurant. Ties were broken by a higher number of “I’ve heard of it”. Keep reading to see if your favorite burger made the list.
LOOK: America’s top burger chains
Gallery credit: Stacker
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