When thinking of American food, cheeseburgers naturally come to mind. But are they truly a product of the United States?
Since today (Friday, September 18, 2026) is National Cheeseburger Day, it’s the perfect opportunity to investigate. Let’s work up an appetite by mulling this over before getting into all the best freebies and deals to celebrate.
Who invented the burger?
Like many culinary delights, the burger wasn’t so much invented but evolved in the great melting pot of the United States.
One of its inspirations can be traced back to German immigrants of the late 1840s who brought over Frikadellen, a dish of cooked chopped beef. Some believe the popularity of hot dogs helped introduce the bun to the party at the end of the 1800s.
Burgers were served at the 1904 World’s Fair in St. Louis, further cementing their American legacy.
Soon, meat grinders were common household items, and fast food chains began taking advantage of the new industrial versions.
When did cheese come into the picture?
We do know, however, who is credited with first throwing a piece of cheese on a burger.
Lionel Clark Sternberger, age 16, was working at his dad’s restaurant in Pasadena, California, in 1924. It was at the Rite Spot where Sternberger made history.
There are different versions of why this occurred. One is that Sternberger burned a burger and needed to cover it up. Another version credits a customer for making the request.
Regardless of how it happened, what the Sternbergers called the “Aristocratic Burger: the Original Hamburger with Cheese” was born.
There are also a couple of competing invention stories. The first to call the new creation a cheeseburger was Charles Kaelin from Louisville, Kentucky, in 1934. Louis Ballast, owner of Humpty Dumpty Drive-In in Denver, trademarked the moniker the following year.
National Cheeseburger Day freebies and deals
Now that we can at least give America some credit for cheeseburgers, let’s take a look at some deals.
Kraft Singles
Andy Reid, head coach of the NFL’s Kansas City Chiefs, wants to share his love of cheeseburgers with the country. He is famously known for saying: “Bet you a cheeseburger.”
On September 14, a season-long celebration of cheeseburgers began, where you can bet for or against Reid’s weekly picks. By registering here, fans are entered to win prizes such as a trip to the Super Bowl or free Kraft Singles.
Checkers & Rally’s
At participating Checkers & Rally’s locations, hungry diners can score a $3 Big Buford. This cheeseburger comes with two hand-seasoned, 100% beef hamburger patties and all the fixings.
Burger King
At Burger King, there are benefits to being a Royal Perks member. On National Cheeseburger Day, you can score a free bacon cheeseburger with a $3 minimum purchase online or via the app.
McDonald’s
At McDonald’s, reward members can make a $1 in app purchase and receive a free double cheeseburger.
Smashburger
In case the trend isn’t apparent, it pays to be a rewards member at your favorite dining establishment. Smashburger’s loyalty members can enjoy a $1 any single Smash. You can order this for sitdown or to go. It’s even available through first-party delivery.
Five Guys
There’s a not-so-secret promo code to help you score the deal at Five Guys. Drop BOGOBURGER on the app or online to buy one cheeseburger and get the second one free.
Twin Peaks
Participating Twin Peaks locations are offering a $7.99 cheeseburger and fries. All you have to do is purchase a drink to wash it all down with.
Applebee’s
Another sitdown option comes from Applebee’s. You can get a classic cheeseburger with fries for just $8.99. It’s also available on the app or the website but not third-party delivery sites.
Wherever you plan to celebrate, we hope your cheeseburger hits all the right spots.