Hamburger heaven ... on earth
by Chris Taylor, editor-in-chief

    (Part 3 in a series on the great American hamburger)

    Although facing challenges since its invention, the hamburger still retains its title as most popular food.

    The signs are everywhere. McDonald’s has the billions and billions sold on its signs. That number is referring to the total amount of burgers sold at its stores.

    We have all seen or heard about the McDonald’s in far away places such as Europe, China or Russia.

    The burger has become an American icon in many ways.

    Many foods have come along to challenge the burger in recent years. Pizza was the one food that had the best hope of toppling the burger from its lofty perch.

    Pizza could boast that one pizza would satisfy all four-food groups. Pizza can be delivered, saving the lazy from having to actually go out and get food.

    Even though it was threat to the burger, pizza was never able to deliver. There are just too many burger chains, not to mention the mom and pop burger joints.

    When one thinks of burger chains, most can list off McDonald’s, Burger King, Wendy’s, Jack in the Box and Whataburger.

    How many notable pizza chains are there? Pizza Hut, Pizza Inn and, lately, Papa John’s.

    Tacos were the next challenger to the burger regime.

    Tacos could also stake a claim to satisfying each of the four food groups.

    Two chains have become successful selling tacos and other assorted Mexican food.

    Taco Bell and Taco Bueno are easy to find, but are usually within blocks of three to four burger places.

    Why is the burger so popular?

    It fills each food group nicely, if you order lettuce, tomato and cheese. It can be topped with almost anything from bacon to chili to avocado.

    Burgers are fairly cheap. A couple of bucks will usually get you a decent size burger.

    Burger places are almost everywhere.

    Unless you live in the country, there is probably a burger place within a five-minute drive from your home.

    And, possibly the key to the burger’s popularity: it is compact. You can neatly eat one with one hand. You can even eat one while driving although that is not recommended. Tacos and pizzas will never have the advantage of the burger.

    Hamburgers rule.