National Cheeseburger Day is observed every year on September 18 in the United States. It is an unofficial food holiday celebrating the cheeseburger, that all-American combination of a beef patty, melted cheese, and a bun. For diners it is one of the best deal days of the year, and for restaurants it has become a major promotional event, with chains competing to offer the most tempting discounts and freebies.
When is National Cheeseburger Day?
National Cheeseburger Day falls on the fixed date of September 18, so it is easy to remember even though the weekday changes annually. It is distinct from National Hamburger Day, which is marked on May 28, and from National Burger Day observances in other countries. In the US, September 18 is the recognized cheeseburger date.
History and origin of National Cheeseburger Day
The origin of the observance itself is unknown. There are no clear records of who first designated September 18, and it is widely believed to have emerged as a marketing move by the food industry to promote and celebrate the cheeseburger. No single founder or sponsoring organization can be reliably documented, so any specific origin claim should be treated with caution.
The cheeseburger as a dish, however, has a better-known if disputed history. One popular story credits Lionel Sternberger, who is said to have added a slice of cheese to a hamburger around 1926 while working at his father’s sandwich shop in Pasadena, California. Other claimants include a Los Angeles restaurant called O’Dell’s, which reportedly listed a cheeseburger by 1928. As with many iconic foods, several people and establishments claim to have invented it, and the true first cheeseburger remains a matter of debate. Even the word cheeseburger has a contested history; it was reportedly trademarked in the 1930s, though the term quickly became generic as the sandwich spread across American menus.
Why National Cheeseburger Day matters
The cheeseburger is more than fast food; it is a cultural touchstone that appears everywhere from backyard cookouts to fine-dining menus. National Cheeseburger Day celebrates that versatility and the sheer joy of a well-made burger. It also spotlights the diners, food trucks, and local grills that put their own spin on the classic, and it gives home cooks a reason to fire up the grill and experiment.
The day has practical appeal too, because it has become one of the biggest promotional events on the fast-food calendar. Major chains routinely roll out deep discounts, dollar deals, and free-burger offers, so it is often one of the cheapest days of the year to enjoy a cheeseburger. For independent restaurants, it is a chance to show off signature creations and draw in new customers. That mix of nostalgia, competition, and culinary creativity is a big part of why the observance has grown so popular, even without any official sponsor behind it.
How to celebrate National Cheeseburger Day
- Order from a favorite burger joint or seek out a highly rated local spot.
- Grill your own cheeseburgers at home and experiment with different cheeses.
- Watch for restaurant promotions, including discounts and free-burger deals from major chains.
- Host a build-your-own-burger party with a spread of toppings and buns.
- Try a gourmet or regional variation you have never had before.
- Go meat-free with a plant-based patty and cheese to include everyone.
- Share your burger with #NationalCheeseburgerDay online.
Related days and observances
National Cheeseburger Day belongs to a large family of American food holidays. Related days include National Hamburger Day, National Burger Month, National Fast Food Day, National French Fry Day, and National Pizza Day. It also pairs naturally with other grilling-season celebrations.
By the numbers
Americans eat billions of burgers every year, and the cheeseburger is consistently among the most popular menu items in the country. Because September 18 is one of the most competitive promotional days in the restaurant calendar, it is often one of the cheapest days of the year to enjoy a cheeseburger, with national chains and local spots alike rolling out limited-time offers. The cheeseburger’s appeal also spans every price tier, from value-menu classics to chef-driven creations topped with premium cheeses and artisan buns, which is a big reason the dish has remained a fixture of American menus for nearly a century and why a day devoted to it continues to resonate.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is National Cheeseburger Day?
In the United States it is observed every year on the fixed date of September 18.
Who started National Cheeseburger Day?
The founder is unknown; it is widely believed to have begun as a food-industry marketing occasion.
Why do we celebrate National Cheeseburger Day?
To honor the cheeseburger, one of America's most iconic foods, and to enjoy it with friends and family.
How do you celebrate National Cheeseburger Day?
Eat a cheeseburger, grill your own, try a new spot, or take advantage of restaurant deals and freebies.
Is National Cheeseburger Day a public holiday?
No. It is an unofficial food holiday, not a government-sanctioned or public holiday.
What is the hashtag for National Cheeseburger Day?
The common tags are #NationalCheeseburgerDay and #CheeseburgerDay.