International Burger Day – May. 28, 2027

International Burger Day
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International Burger Day sizzles on May 28 each year, honoring one of the world’s most beloved and versatile foods. From classic cheeseburgers to gourmet creations, this day is a delicious excuse to indulge. Gather friends, fire up the grill, or explore local eateries to find your perfect patty.

Want to sponsor International Burger Day? Learn how

Expected International Burger Day Deals

While we await official 2027 promotions to drop, history shows that International Burger Day brings sizzling deals from major chains and local diners alike. Expect fast-food giants like McDonald’s, Burger King, and Wendy’s to roll out discounted burgers or special menu items. Gourmet burger spots such as Shake Shack and Five Guys often feature limited-time offers or combo deals. Even grocery stores like Whole Foods Market and meal kit services like HelloFresh might offer discounts on ground beef or burger kits to encourage home grilling. We will update this page with confirmed live deals as May 28 approaches.

Platform Guide for International Burger Day

TikTok

Tag @www.nationaltoday.com and use #InternationalBurgerDay. Film a ‘burger build’ video, showcasing creative toppings or a taste test of different local burgers.

Instagram

Tag @nationaltoday_ and use #InternationalBurgerDay. Share mouth-watering photos of your favorite burger, or create a carousel of the best burger joints in your city.

Facebook

Mention National Today (facebook.com/nationaltoday) and use #InternationalBurgerDay. Host a poll asking followers their favorite burger toppings or share a recipe for a unique homemade burger.

Social Media Tips for International Burger Day

Individuals

Organize a backyard barbecue with friends and family, experimenting with different burger patties, buns, and gourmet toppings.

Creators

Produce a video review of the most iconic burger in your city, or challenge yourself to create a unique, over-the-top burger recipe.

Brands

Run a 'Build Your Own Burger' contest, encouraging customers to share their creations for a chance to win gift cards or exclusive merchandise.

Top Brands for International Burger Day

  1. McDonald's

    Founded in 1940 by Richard and Maurice McDonald in San Bernardino, California, McDonald's is the world's largest fast-food chain. Famous for its Big Mac and Quarter Pounder, it serves millions of burgers daily across over 100 countries.

  2. Burger King

    Established in 1954 in Jacksonville, Florida, Burger King is known for its flame-grilled burgers. Its signature Whopper, introduced in 1957, remains a global favorite, offering a distinct smoky flavor.

  3. Wendy's

    Founded by Dave Thomas in 1969 in Columbus, Ohio, Wendy's is recognized for its square-shaped patties and fresh, never-frozen beef. The Frosty and Baconator are among its most popular items.

  4. Five Guys

    Originating in Arlington, Virginia, in 1986, Five Guys is celebrated for its customizable burgers and fresh-cut fries. The brand emphasizes quality ingredients and a simple, focused menu.

  5. Shake Shack

    Starting as a hot dog cart in New York City's Madison Square Park in 2001, Shake Shack quickly grew into a popular chain known for its high-quality burgers, crinkle-cut fries, and frozen custard.

  6. In-N-Out Burger

    A West Coast icon founded in 1948 in Baldwin Park, California, In-N-Out is famous for its simple menu, fresh ingredients, and 'secret menu' items like Animal Style burgers and fries.

  7. Impossible Foods

    Founded in 2011 in Redwood City, California, Impossible Foods develops plant-based meat substitutes. Their Impossible Burger has become a popular alternative, found in restaurants and grocery stores worldwide.

International Burger Day Hero

Louis Lassen

Louis Lassen, a Danish immigrant, is widely credited with inventing the modern hamburger sandwich in 1900 at his New Haven, Connecticut, lunch wagon, Louis' Lunch. A customer requested a quick, hot meal, and Lassen reportedly placed ground beef patties between two slices of toast. While the exact origin is debated, his establishment is recognized by the Library of Congress as the birthplace of the hamburger.

History of International Burger Day

It may surprise you to learn that the hamburger is an emblem of American fast food, yet its roots are obscure. Throughout history, from the military barracks of Genghis Khan to German steamships docking in New York Harbor, the humble hamburger has had a rather interesting existence.

Aside from the fact that it is called after the German city of Hamburg, no one knows where the hamburger came from or how it got its name. The link with Hamburg appears to have stemmed from a recipe for a meal known as the “Hamburg Sausage” that was published in 1758. The Hamburg America Line, according to some historians, was a cruise line that provided identical sandwiches to its passengers in the mid-1800s and gave the sandwich its name. According to some, the hamburger was created in New Haven in 1900 by Danish immigrant Louis Lassen, who used European principles.

Another version is that it was created at the World Fair. In 1904 at the St. Louis Food Festival,
Louis Lassen’s story was popular in 1900 in the U.S., referring to the hamburger as “the innovation of a food vendor on the pike,” as reported by the “New York Tribune.” It is said a businessman was hungry and needed meals fast. Louis is rumored to have created the burger by sandwiching grilled beef between two pieces of bread. Another person credited with making the hamburger is largely ignored is Otto Krause since his name has three distinct spellings, which is typical with German names. Today, there is still debate regarding who was the original creator of the popular dish. One thing is sure however that the day is worth celebrating despite its conflicting origins. Don’t let anyone tell you otherwise.

International Burger Day timeline

1758
The Hamburger Sausage

The Hamburger sausage recipe appears in a cookbook for the first time.

1904
Burgers Boom

Burgers become a more popular and cheap fast-food staple after the World Fair.

1921
The First Sliders

White Castle starts making square hamburgers they call sliders.

1940
McDonald’s First Location

An iconic fast-food restaurant, McDonald’s, which sells one of the earliest burgers, opens in San Bernardino, California.

How Businesses Can Celebrate International Burger Day

Local businesses can celebrate International Burger Day by rolling out special menu items or limited-time deals. Restaurants could offer a ‘Burger of the Day’ featuring unique toppings or a discount on their signature burger. Food trucks might create a special combo meal, while grocery stores can highlight premium ground beef and gourmet bun selections. Even non-food businesses can join by hosting a staff burger cook-off or sponsoring a local burger joint for employee appreciation.

International Burger Day FAQs

When is International Burger Day?

In 2027, International Burger Day takes place on Friday, May 28, marking a perfect start to a delicious weekend.

How many burgers are consumed globally each year?

The sheer volume of burgers enjoyed worldwide is staggering; estimates suggest that if all burgers eaten in the U.S. in a year were lined up, they would circle the Earth 32 times.

What is the origin story of the hamburger?

The concept of ground meat patties has roots in ancient Rome and later in Hamburg, Germany, but the modern form of a patty between bread gained traction in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, particularly in the United States.

What are some popular international burger variations?

Beyond the classic, you can find the Mexican torta burger, the German Frikadelle (a pan-fried patty), and various plant-based innovations gaining global traction.

International Burger Day Activities

  1. Eat A Burger(s)

    To celebrate, you can eat a burger or two — or as many as you like. On this day, you can eat out or try recipes to create your home-cooked burger, or you can have a burger party with friends if you prefer. If you are vegan, there are meatless options available for you to try and if you are a vegetarian, there are veggie options for you.

  2. Visit popular hamburger spots

    Take a road trip to other states and eat a variety of different burgers by visiting their most popular burger locations. You can also find or create a list of the best burgers in your city or another state and tick them off. Gourmet burgers, chicken burgers, veggie burgers— if you crave it, eat it

  3. Come up with new recipes

    Feeling adventurous? Rather than try recipes of chefs, restaurants, or celebrities, you can come up with your recipes from your favorite toppings or ingredients. This is a fun activity you can try with friends or neighbors.

5 Interesting Facts About Burgers

  1. The largest burger

    The world's largest hamburger was created in 1982, measuring 3,591 pounds and providing enough food to feed over 10,000 people.

  2. Record holder

    McDonald’s holds the record for the most burgers ever sold and sells about 75 burgers per second.

  3. Glamburger

    Created in 2014, this burger has gold leaf, lobster, and caviar and features black truffle, Kobe beef, venison, and a duck egg, making it one of the priciest burgers ever made, and sold at The Honky Tonk restaurant in London for $1,768!

  4. America’s most expensive burger

    The Fleur de Lys in Las Vegas serves one of the most costly burgers in the U.S., created with Kobe beef and foie gras, with a price tag of $5,000.

  5. Favorite toppings

    Burgers are commonly topped with bacon, jalapeños, cheese, lettuce, and onions.

Why We Love International Burger Day

  1. Bonding time

    One of the best ways to bond is by cooking and burgers are no exception. Call your partner or friends and have a fun time making burgers and eating them too.

  2. Creative cooking

    Whether you are cooking alone or making it a fun day with friends or your partner, you can always have fun coming up with creative and interesting burgers. Remember to experiment as much as you can.

  3. Delicious, fast and convenient

    As one of the most beloved foods worldwide, burgers reign supreme in taste, convenience, and ease. Grabbing a burger from a fast-food restaurant can take only minutes and with an array of toppings and options, it is no wonder it is a smashing hit.

International Burger Day dates

Year Date Day
2027 May 28 Friday
2028 May 28 Sunday
2029 May 28 Monday
2030 May 28 Tuesday
2031 May 28 Wednesday