A new “Hungry for History” historic marker recently was planted in El Reno, Oklahoma, that recognizes the city’s heritage as the birthplace of the fried onion burger.
The marker, facilitated by the William G. Pomeroy Foundation, was placed at the northeast corner of Wade Street and Choctaw Avenue, which also is Route 66, in El Reno.
The Pomeroy Foundation’s “Hungry for History” marker program celebrates “America’s food history by telling the stories of local and regional food specialties across the United States.”
Sid’s Diner, one of at least three highly praised and historic fried onion burger joints in El Reno, hailed the marker:
Here’s a video from El Reno Main Street of the dedication ceremony:
According to town lore, Ross Davis developed the fried onion burger at the Hamburger Inn along Route 66 in downtown El Reno during the 1920s. Added shredded onions to the burger patty stretched its size while adding flavor.
The Oklahoma Route 66 Association had this report from the El Reno marker’s dedication on Nov. 18:
For the grand reveal, City Manager Matt Sandidge brought up a few local burger dignitaries: Otis Bruce, Robert Sanders, Ed Graham, and Marty Hall. O.F. Burger, the Burger Day mascot, was also there to cheer on the event. From the new marker, you can see the three operating restaurants that these gentlemen represented: Johnnie’s Hamburgers & Coneys, Robert’s Grill, and Sid’s Diner. No matter where you decide to sample this local delicacy for yourself, you’re in for a treat.
“We’re proud to have helped bring the very first marker from this foundation to Oklahoma out of nearly 2,500 across the country,” said Association President Rhys Martin. “It’s also the only Hungry for History marker west of Louisiana…for now! We look forward to seeing other Route 66 communities across the country take advantage of this program to tell their unique culinary history!”
In addition to Sid’s, other prime places in El Reno to dine on an onion burger are Robert’s Grill and Johnnie’s.
A map of all the Pomeroy markers across the United States can be found here.
(Image of an onion burger and fries at Sid’s Diner by iwishmynamewasmarsha via Flickr)