Fuddruckers – Albuquerque, New Mexico
The audacious proclamation on Fuddruckers door, logo and Web site, “The world’s greatest hamburgers available” may not be quite complete. Add the words “somewhere else” and most will agree, you probably have a more accurate description of this tremendously popular restaurant chain which actually trademarked the “world’s greatest hamburgers” logo. Trademarks, much like speeches made by politicians, television commercials and magazine ads aren’t always completely truthful. Only the internet can be believed. Founded in 1980 by restaurant impressario Phil Romano (of Romano’s Macaroni Grill fame), Fuddruckers has expanded to more than 250 locations across the world including such purveyors of American culture as Saudi Arabia, Egypt and Kuwait. The theme at most of the fast casual franchises is 1950s and 1960s rock and roll. The ambience is Disneyesque, both from the sense that it’s family-friendly and that it’s loud (as in blaring, ear-splitting music loud) and fun (unless you want to hear a conversation with your dining companions). Others might describe it as tacky, gaudy and over-the-top. Ostensibly, Fuddruckers also serves good burgers. Duke City diners have been heavily patronizing Fuddruckers since day one, so much so that there are now three Fuddruckers restaurants in the city (as well as…
