Photography by Ian L. Sitren

Posts tagged “hamburger

Today is National Hamburger Day May 28th

At Shake Shack, the menu listed a three‑patty burger, and that was all the excuse I needed. So I bought three of them—because why settle for one triple burger when you can line up three towers of beef and ShackSauce? No cheese, no rearranging, no styling. Just three oversized burgers straight from the bag to my black background.

Shake Shack Background

  • Started as a hot‑dog cart in Madison Square Park, New York City, in 2001, expanding to a permanent kiosk in 2004.
  • Went public in 2015 under the ticker SHAK, with its stock doubling to $47 on one day.
  • Now has 600+ locations worldwide, with a mix of company‑owned and licensed restaurants.
  • Burgers use a proprietary Pat LaFrieda beef blend, cooked on a griddle for a caramelized crust and served on Martin’s potato rolls with their signature ShackSauce.

Burger Facts

  • Americans eat about 50 billion burgers every year, averaging 26 burgers per person annually.
  • Triple‑patty burgers remain uncommon, making three of them a fitting choice for National Hamburger Day.

See more from my ongoing fast‑food photo series, From Bag to Background, here:
https://www.secondfocus.com/index/G0000wQ3fbeEezF0/I0000nUG8tfk8Gdc


National Hamburger Day: A Step Beyond the Drive-Thru

Today May 28 is National Hamburger Day!

It’s a day that recognizes one of America’s most iconic and enduring foods—no matter how you stack it. From drive-thrus to diners, from backyard grills to corporate chains, the hamburger has been part of our cultural shorthand for over a century.

For this year’s photo, I went local. These are four double hamburgers from Boy’s Hamburgers in Cathedral City, California. No cheese. No styling. Just toasted buns, shredded lettuce, tomato, sauce, and two grilled beef patties—exactly as served.

I picked Boy’s because for National Hamburger Day, it just felt right to go with a place that proudly puts “Hamburgers” in the name. It’s not a chain, but it’s not trying to be upscale either—certainly great food, a step up from the usual big-name fast food. The kind of spot that’s been doing its thing for years without having to change much.

Part of my ongoing From Bag to Background series, this image isolates the food—no branding, no props—letting the burger speak for itself. More on my website at SecondFocus.com


Burger Box

Proud to share the latest in my Fast Food photography series. Burger Box, established in 1954, is the oldest restaurant in the Coachella Valley. A true roadside gem with outdoor window service that even featured a gas station back in the day. Pictured here are their iconic double cheeseburgers, cheeseburgers with pastrami, and freshly made fries, all grilled to order and served in simple brown bags. The taste and aroma bring back the nostalgia of an era that’s fast disappearing. Sadly, this beloved spot will be closing its doors at the end of the month. For more of my food photography, visit http://SecondFocus.com. Thanks!


National Cheeseburger Day!

Happy National Cheeseburger Day! 🍔 Did you know the cheeseburger was first invented in 1924 at a sandwich shop in Pasadena, California? Fun fact: the biggest cheeseburger ever made weighed a whopping 2,104 lbs, created at Black Bear Casino in Minnesota back in 2012!

To celebrate, here’s my photograph of a cheeseburger. And yes I ate it. Can you guess where it’s from? 🤔 Check out more of my food photography (and more!) over at http://SecondFocus.com You will find more cheeseburgers too! Thanks!


National Double Cheeseburger Day!

Here it is today September 15th, National Double Cheeseburger Day! And so my photograph of a tantalizing close-up of Carl’s Jr.’s iconic double cheeseburgers, known for their big, messy, and indulgent appeal. These burgers gained widespread attention starting in 2005, thanks to a series of provocative TV commercials, starting with Paris Hilton, who famously washed a Bentley while showcasing her sexy body and enjoying the latest creation from Carl’s Jr. I love it! More of my Food Photography and more on my website at http://SecondFocus.com Check it out and Thanks!


The Whopper!

The Whopper, Burger King’s iconic sandwich, first created in 1957 as a direct competitor to the McDonald’s Quarter-Pounder. It’s legendary slogan, ‘Home of the Whopper,’ became unforgettable over the years. And right here, we have three of them rotating before your eyes. Check out my Food Photography and much more on my website at http://SecondFocus.com Thanks!


Double Whoppers Three

The Whopper, Burger King’s iconic sandwich, first created in 1957 as a direct competitor to the McDonald’s Quarter-Pounder. It’s legendary slogan, ‘Home of the Whopper,’ became unforgettable over the years. And right here, we have a delicious variation — the Double Whopper, three of them rotating before your eyes. Check out my Food Photography and more on my website at http://SecondFocus.com Thanks!

Pretzel Baconator

Yesterday Facebook decided my photograph for National Toilet Paper Day was too revealing. So today I give you something even more decadent… The “Pretzel Baconator,” a unique creation from Wendy’s, showcases the restaurant’s signature approach to indulgent fast food. Founded by Dave Thomas in 1969, Wendy’s has grown to become the third-largest hamburger chain globally, boasting over 6,700 locations. This photograph captures the decadent layers of the Pretzel Baconator, featuring a soft pretzel bun, savory beef patties, crispy bacon, melted cheese, and tangy condiments, epitomizing Wendy’s innovative spirit and commitment to flavor. More of my food photography on my website at http://SecondFocus.com Take a look, it is delicious! Thanks!

Happy National Burger Day, UK! 🇬🇧


Let’s celebrate with a throwback to a true classic—the Jumbo Jack from Jack In The Box. 🍔 Introduced in 1971 to rival the Big Mac, this massive burger quickly made its mark in the fast food world. Fun fact: the only major change since then was swapping out Jack’s Secret Sauce for ketchup in 1999!

I just photographed these fresh out of the bag, capturing the essence of this iconic burger. Craving more? Check out my food photography at http://SecondFocus.com you might just find something delicious! 😋

National Hamburger Day

Today May 28, 2024 is National Hamburger Day! It is the USA’s favorite food, followed closely by the Cheeseburger. As I have read, evidence suggests that the Hamburger actually originated here in the USA. It certainly is the mainstay of the entire Fast Food industry. Do you have a guess where this Burger is from? More of my food photographs on my website at SecondFocus.com Thanks!


All The Parking

Always disappointing when someone takes up all the good parking. The rear of the McDonald’s Museum, the site of the first original McDonald’s Now owned by Albert Okura, owner of the Juan Pollo restaurant chain. A vehicle perhaps destined to be in parades. San Bernardino California

Bob’s Big Boy

I think it is amazing how much social history really exists behind this guy.

A Bob’s Big Boy in a store window.