FOODIE RUSTICA: SEPTEMBER 2008

Fatburger: Phattest Burger of 2008

(Sept. 2, 2008)—In Akron, Ohio today, Fatburger earned the "Best Burger From A Restaurant" title at the National Hamburger Festival. The judges threw shine on the quick-casual, takeout and sit-down restaurant for their big, juicy burgers that are fresh, made of 100% pure lean beef and grilled right in front of customers to their individual liking.

Huge honor, I say, and a worthy nod. Fatburger is certainly not the run-of-the-mill fast food burger. The 55-year old chain has earned my love in the past with not just its excellent choice in beef but for offering turkey burgers as well. Fatburger won top spot over 30 other national and local burger outlets, and has ranked in highly in a number of readers choice polls and "best burger" top-10s around the country.

"Fatburger is thankful for our strong following and attributes our fans across the country to the freshness of our products and the friendliness of our staff," said Elaine Patel, vice president of marketing, Fatburger North America, Inc. “We are inspired by the enthusiasm of our guests and look forward to continuing to meet their expectations.”

While highly popular nationally, I can't help but wonder where In N' Out would rank on a national scale next to the venerable chain? The debate continues though for those who've had both.