Iconic Burger Trends Throughout the Decades

Here at Maxwell’s Covent Garden, burgers are more than just food—they’re our passion! Our classics, like the beloved ‘Big Max,’ are iconic staples of our menu. But since 1972, we’ve experimented with some pretty wild burger creations, and we’re not alone. Just like fashion, food trends come and go, and social media has only amplified these crazes. Join us as we dive into some of the craziest burger trends that have made waves over the years! 

The 1970s 

The '70s were a time of wild innovation—think bell bottoms, disco, and tie-dye. The food scene was no exception, with chefs getting, uh, really creative. One memorable invention was Wimpy's 'Bender in a Bun.' This quirky creation featured a whole frankfurter sausage sliced and shaped into a circle to fit perfectly in a burger bun. We can’t say the Bender will be making an appearance on our menu anytime soon, but it proved popular in the 70s!

The 1980s 

Ahhh, the '80s! Neon colors, perms, shoulder pads, and a plethora of other questionable trends. The culinary world had its own eccentricities too. Enter the ‘Hamburger Holstein’: a beef patty extravagantly topped with a poached egg, anchovies, and a green onion. A true testament to the decade's bold and quirky spirit! 

The 1990s  

The '90s were all about grunge music, flannel shirts, and the rise of the internet. In the burger world, health-conscious trends began to emerge. Enter the McLean Deluxe by McDonald's: a burger touted as a healthier option with a patty made from 91% lean beef and seasoned with seaweed extract to maintain juiciness. To no one’s surprise, it didn’t become a lasting favourite. 

The 2000s 

The 2000s brought us reality TV, low-rise jeans, and the explosion of the internet. In the burger realm, things got a bit wacky too. Enter the 'Donut Burger'—a deliciously outrageous creation where a juicy beef patty is sandwiched between two glazed donuts instead of a traditional bun. It was a sweet and savory sensation that perfectly captured the adventurous and indulgent spirit of the 2000s! 

The 2010s 

The 2010s ushered in the era of social media, hipster culture, and an obsession with all things avocado. Burgers were no exception to this green craze. The 'Avocado Burger' became a major hit, featuring a juicy beef patty topped with creamy avocado slices or even using halves of avocado as the bun itself (we at Maxwell’s are guilty of giving into the latter). This trend was the epitome of the decade’s love for fresh, healthy, and Instagram-worthy food! 

From the creative experiments of the '70s to the health-conscious innovations of the '90s, and the avocado obsession of the 2010s, burger trends have seen it all. Here at Maxwell’s, we embrace these wild and wonderful ideas, always keeping our menu fresh and exciting. So next time you bite into one of our classic or adventurous creations, remember, you're not just eating a burger—you're tasting a piece of culinary history!

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