One of my fondest memories while growing up with my brother and sister was when our mom would take us to our favorite burger joint. Growing up in Land Park, a quaint old neighborhood a few miles south of the hustle and bustle of Sacramento’s downtown and the lawmakers at work in our state’s capitol, we frequented this tiny stand called Suzie Burger. The place and experience were unique in many ways. It was the smallest place you had ever seen. Literally set in a 10 x 10 box with no seating, these mouth-watering double cheeseburgers were hidden in the back of a small shopping center, across the street from the old Sacramento Executive Airport. Since the place was so small there were no employees, just Suzie and her husband, Ben. Suzie always greeted us with her huge smile and seemed to know everyone’s name and order. Ben was the quiet one but it was his secret sauce, made at home each night, that made the Suzie burgers so special. The Suzie signature was a complimentary little bag filled with a couple of carrots and a few pickles, as Suzie used to smile and encourage the kids from behind the counter, “eat your veggies, it’s a nice treat.” I remember going to Suzie Burger after a tough day at school or when we just needed a little pick-me-up. The place always seemed to make me happy and the burgers where spectacular, always consistent with a flavor all of their own.
After cooking these cheeseburgers for almost twenty five years, Suzie and Ben sadly had to close the stand in 1992, creating a void for our family and Suzie fans throughout Sacramento. But those empty feelings and stomachs will now be filled, as my brother and I have worked closely with Suzie’s and Ben’s son, Benny, to bring back Suzie Burger in all its glory, recreating this one-of-a-kind burger and unique experience, right down to the secret sauce and that little bag of carrots and pickles. After perfecting the burger, my brother added his own touch with the fries and onion rings, a special chili and huge cheesesteaks with authentic rolls shipped straight from Philly, slapped with butter and grilled to perfection with every order. Every meal is washed down with hand-squeezed lemonade or a thick shake and finished off with an oversized, old fashion hand-dipped cone.
So, if you're craving a tasty double cheeseburger or just trying to put a smile on someone's face, take some time and visit the new “Original” Suzie Burger. I hope it will take you back to a special time and create new memories that will last a lifetime for you and your family. Enjoy, get plenty of napkins…and don’t forget to eat your veggies!
Matt Haines
Suzie's #1 Fan |
 |
