Is there an indulgence more American than the hamburger?
That’s quite a lot of patties being flipped every day.
Over the years, fast-food chains have tried to perfect the hamburger and differentiate themselves in the industry.
Photos: The brands. Design: Eat This, Not That!
Some have moved away from processed ingredients to exclusively using thehighest-quality beef.
Others have been working tomake their burgers larger and juicier.
In fact, the Ohio-based burger chain has focused on high-quality ingredients since it first opened.
Photo: Caitlin White, Eat This, Not That!
Recently, Wendy’s has also launched seasonal Frosty flavors, includingPeppermintandOrange Dreamsicle.
Beyond customization, Five Guys uses never-frozen patties that are hand-made every day.
One of the unique selling points of Five Guys is its affinity forpeanut oil.
Five Guys
It is the only oil used in restaurants, giving its french fries that irresistible flavor.
The menu goes beyond hamburgers, including the aptly named signature Whataburger.
Sandwiches range from the classic Patty Melt and Honey BBQ Chicken Strip Sandwich to salads and onion rings.
Whataburger / Facebook
It also includes daily breakfast, with unique items like the Breakfast Burger and Breakfast Bowls.
For beverages, Whataburger periodically brings back its popular Dr. Pepper Shake.
Its french fries are also made fresh, with the potatoes individually cut in the restaurants.
In-N-Out Burger / Facebook
To round it all out, its milkshakes are used with 100% real ice cream.
The secret menu is perhaps more popular with regular customers than the advertised menu.
And as the name implies, Shake Shack is known for more than just a juicy burger.
Photo: Shutterstock
The chain’s milkshakes are a central component of any meal, made with its house-made frozen custard.
Customers can also find chicken sandwiches, hot dogs, and french fries made from high-quality ingredients.
Tasty food aside, Shake Shack continually seeks to expand and improve customer experience.
Habit Burger Grill / Facebook
Also ever-expanding: its menu.
These are then cooked over an open flame.
Customers can choose between tried-and-true options like the Charburger with Cheese.
Facebook / Elevation Burger
Aside from burgers, the fast-casual chain offers sandwiches with various proteins.
Choose from grilled or fried chicken or a line-caught, sushi-grade ahi tuna filet.
The menu also includes a selection of salads and frozen treats.
Red Robin
Craving something with sweeter flavors?
Why not try theBanzai?
This consists of a teriyaki-glazed patty, grilled fresh pineapple, cheddar, lettuce, tomato, and mayo.
Freddy’s Frozen Custard & Steakburgers / Facebook
In the mood for something spicy?
Freddy’s operates 500 restaurants across 36 states and opened 62 restaurants last year.
Going forward, the chain plans to ramp up growth, recently announcingplans to add around 65 more locations.
Burgerville / Facebook
The 1950s-style chain serves crispy, smash-style burgers made with fresh, never frozen beef.
These burgers come with all sorts of toppings, which can vary across locations.
These are French fries topped with melted cheddar cheese, bacon bits, scallions, and ranch dressing.
Schoops Hamburgers – Highland, In. / Facebook
It all centers around itssignature ButterBurger, which uses never-frozen beef that is made into patties on-site daily.
It’s even the burger chain of choice forcelebrity chef Andrew Zimmern.
The fast-growing Midwest chain is rapidly approaching 1,000 locations nationwide, with plans for51 new restaurantsopening in 2024 alone.
Culver’s / Facebook
It takes certified Angus beef patties andhand-smashes them onto its grillusing its own customized metal smasher.
The result is a perfectly juicy burger with flavorfully caramelized, crusty edges.
The Jollibee-owned brand currently includes some 235 company-owned and franchise locations across 34 U.S. states and seven countries.
Photo: Courtesy of Smashburger
Since then, it has expanded from Plano, Texas, into two dozen states and four international markets.
So, what is it about Mooyah that allowed it to grow so early in its tenure?
It all starts with a great burger.
MooYah / Facebook
Mooyah uses certified Angus beef in its never-frozen patties.
From there, Mooyah bakes its buns in its restaurants each and every day.
Its name is inspired by theJapanese culinary term umami, which roughly translates to deliciousness.
Umami Burger / Facebook
Other menu items are also memorable, from french fries to Cheesy Potato Tots.
Some Umami Burger locations also feature full-service bars, so you could pair your burger with a signature cocktail.
That promise of never freezing its meat is a practice dating back to when Fatburger first opened in 1947.
BurgerFi / Facebook
Its burgers include different varieties like ground turkey and plant-based faux meat to accommodate different diets and lifestyles.
Cook Out / Facebook
Fatburger / Facebook
