Fuddruckers

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Fuddruckers is an American fast casual franchised chain restaurant that specializes in hamburgers. It was founded in 1980 in San Antonio, Texas by Philip J. Romano, in a location converted to a restaurant from an old bank. Fuddruckers has over 200 locations around the world, most of which have a 1950s and 1960s Rock and roll theme. The current owner, Michael Cannon, purchased the chain in November 1998.

Fuddruckers is notable for their large burger patties (up to 1 pound) and self-service toppings bar. Customers first order a base burger, either plain or with specialty toppings (like sauces, sautéed onions or guacamole). The burger is then provided open-faced to the customer, who then takes it to the toppings bar and adds on fresh vegetables and seasonings. They also offer multiple types of cheese toppings.

Fuddruckers has expanded out of the United States and now has branches in Middle Eastern countries such as Egypt, Qatar, United Arab Emirates, Kuwait, Bahrain and Saudi Arabia.

Fuddruckers has one restaurant in Canada. It is located in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan,[1] and remains popular. Other restaurants were tried in other parts of Canada with no success. Also there are currently four restaurants in Puerto Rico. There were also restaurants in Mexico City, beginning with one, then a couple more, but eventually all closed after a few years. A restaurant was opened in Australia at a suburban Sydney shopping centre Macquarie Centre in the mid-1990s; however this restaurant has since closed.

[edit] Cultural References

Fuddruckers was nominated as "Burger Joint of the Year" in the film Office Space, by Mike Judge. It was also referenced in Judge's 2006 comedy Idiocracy, where it's shown to be part of the reason for the downfall of human civilization and renamed Buttfuckers.