Laying Claim to Being Birthplace of the Cheeseburger, Pasadena Organizations Plan a Party

In a nostalgic nod to Pasadena’s culinary history, two local groups are planning to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the cheeseburger’s invention with a free concert and a ‘Beach Party in the Park.’ The events, scheduled for September 18th, National Cheeseburger Day, will take place at Playhouse Village Park from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.

The Pasadena Chamber of Commerce has partnered with the Playhouse Village Association and Playhouse Village Foundation to organize the festivities. 

Partygoers can rock out to the beat of Rock Candy by Art Deco Entertainment while savoring and chomping down cheeseburgers from a local eatery known foe its great burgers..

“We encourage people to bring blankets and picnic in the park while being entertained with vintage and contemporary rock ‘n roll,” said Paul Little, President and CEO of the Pasadena Chamber of Commerce. 

He added, “Rock Candy promises some appropriately fun songs. Cheeseburgers and fries will be available for purchase from Pasadena Chamber member and Playhouse Village restaurant Smash House Burger Co.”

The celebration pays homage to Lionel Sternberger, who, according to local lore, first placed cheese on a hamburger in 1924. As a teenager working at his father’s roadside stand, The Rite Spot, Sternberger reportedly created “The Aristocratic Burger, A Hamburger with Cheese” by accident.

Legend has it that Sternberger burned one side of a hamburger patty and, rather than discard it, covered his mistake with a slice of cheese. The improvised creation was a hit with customers, sparking a culinary trend that would sweep the nation.

The Chamber’s website notes that Sternberger’s achievement is “the first verified instance of someone serving a hamburger with cheese to a customer.”

 This claim has been acknowledged by various sources, including Hamburger America, the Los Angeles Times, Time magazine, and most recently, a New York Times podcast.

Organizers are encouraging attendees to arrive early and embrace the event’s beach party theme by donning tropical attire, with Hawaiian shirts particularly welcome. The family-friendly gathering prohibits alcohol consumption in the park, in line with local regulations.

While RSVPs are not required, the Chamber has set up an Eventbrite page:

(https://www.eventbrite.com/e/beach-party-in-the-park-tickets-972441267007) 

for those wishing to indicate their attendance. 

The event will be held at Playhouse Village Park, located at 701 East Union Street, at the intersection of El Molino and Union in Pasadena. Parking will be available both in an adjacent lot and on surrounding streets.