Visit Pasadena is celebrating the centennial of the invention of America's favorite food item – the Cheeseburger. During the month of January, locals and visitors staying in the Rose City will receive a complimentary cheeseburger at different locations. They can also take a cheeseburger walking tour, and get some cheesy good offers by showing their Metro TAP card at participating restaurants.
According to Visit Pasadena's website, the first All-American Cheeseburger was created by a young Lionel Clark Sternberger while he was a short order cook at his father's restaurant, The Rite Spot. It was located along the historic Route 66, also known as Colorado Blvd., the parade route for the Tournament of Roses Parade. The story is that Lionel topped a burger with a slice of cheese in 1924 while at the grill. Some stories have been told that Lionel accidentally burned a patty and placed a slice of cheese to cover the scorch marks. Other stories say that a customer asked for cheese to be placed in their burger. It soon became a popular item ordered, and Lionel and his father named this new burger a "Aristocratic Burger: the Original Hamburger with Cheese" and charged $0.15.
“The cheeseburger is truly the great unifier of American cuisine, and we are so excited to bring our tourism partners together to commemorate the cheeseburger’s 100th anniversary right here in Pasadena,” said Kristin McGrath, Executive Director of Visit Pasadena. “Celebrate the sensation of cheeseburger’s genesis in its hometown, where we’ve prepared a month of delicious cheeseburger joy for all to savor.”
This special January foodie event is hosted by the Pasadena Chamber of Commerce. “2024 marks the 100th anniversary of Lonel Sternberger’s amazing inspiration in adding cheese to a hamburger, which began a revolution in the culinary arts. We’re hoping to celebrate with some special additions to Cheeseburger Week,” said Paul Little, CEO of the Pasadena Chamber of Commerce. “We will continue the Cheeseburger Challenge but add some new elements such as the Cheeseburger Passport where participants can win prizes.”
For the month of January, many Pasadena hotels are participating by offering special promotions and a free cheeseburger or special food and beverage offers for guests.
The most decadent cheeseburger can be enjoyed at The Langham Huntington, Pasadena. They just introduced their exclusive cheeseburger to commemorate the centennial. The 'Royal Royce Cheeseburger' is available now through January 31, 2024. This extravagant culinary experience is a creative collaboration with Denis Depoirte, Executive Chef at Langham Hotels International, along with Chef de Cuisine Jorge Delgado and their team. They make a savory patty with short rib and brisket, before topping it with half a lobster tail, Gruyere cheese fondue, chanterelles, and micro-arugula. One of the chefs will arrive at the table to top black truffle shavings over the melted cheese. All of this goodness is in between a charcoal brioche bun sprinkled with white sesame seeds and gold leaf. This special burger is priced at $100
Guests staying at The Langham Huntington can enjoy the Royal Royce Package. The package includes a one-night luxury room stay, complimentary parking, and the Royal Royce Cheeseburger. Book using the code ‘ROYALROYCE’ or click here.
Melting Pot Walking Food Tours is introducing the Pasadena Cheeseburger Centennial Walking Food Tour for the month of January. Walk down Pasadena's colorful alleys to admire the exquisite architecture in the historic Old Town Pasadena area. Learn more about the history of the Cheeseburger, and listen to stories about other Pasadena culinary delights while enjoying special tastings to celebrate the Cheeseburger Centennial.
Other hotel specials include Hotel Dena's Cheeseburger 100th Anniversary Package available through January 31, 2024. Receive a Dena Rite Burger-for-Two and late checkout at 1 p.m. Their cheeseburger is made with Angus beef, melted cheddar cheese, crisp lettuce, tomatoes, pickles, and a secret sauce sandwiched between a toasted brioche bun.
The Westin Pasadena Cheeseburger Centennial special offer includes a free cheeseburger and a glass of beer or soft drink with your stay. Book now through January 31.
The Hyatt Place is offering a Cheeseburger 100th Anniversary special that includes 50% off food and beverages with your stay. It's valid until January 31, 2024. When booking use the code 'CHEESE'.
After enjoying a cheeseburger, be sure to explore the renowned Huntington Library and Art Collections, shop in the vibrant Old Town Pasadena or El Paseo shopping district, or catch a captivating performance at the Pasadena Playhouse.
The Pasadena Hotel & Pool is offering a cheeseburger centennial package that gives you a free cheeseburger and 5% off the best available rate with a minimum two-night stay now through January 31.
The Hilton Pasadena a is offering a cheeseburger package that includes a cheeseburger meal for two and free valet parking for one vehicle. It's available now through February 3.
Ice House Comedy Club, known as the oldest comedy club in the nation, is offering anyone who shows their Metro TAP card $5 off cheeseburger sliders. Top comedians perform throughout the week including Max Amini, Deez Nuts, Sharon Mahoney and TK Kirkland.
SLAB Pasadena is offering a free drink during Cheeseburger Week. Select lemonade, ice tea or sweet tea when you show your Metro TAP card.
Additional offers, a Cheeseburger passport and other experiences are available at Visit Pasadena.
