Places to Eat

Do You Know the Truth About Where Fuddruckers Got its Odd Name?

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Tony Maples Photography

 

Want a juicy hamburger? You’ll find one at Fuddruckers. Yes, they’re the eatery with the funny name. They’re located in cities across the United States and other international places, but it all started with Texas. The chain began in San Antonio, and you’ll find their headquarters in Houston.

Fuddruckers is well-known for fresh food. They ground meat on-site, and guess what else? They bake the buns in their stores, too. You’ll find lots of condiments. Garden-fresh is the way to go with fast food location. Tomatoes, onions, lettuce, cheeses, and cheese sauces are mouth-wateringly good.

Do You Know the Truth About Where Fuddruckers Got its Odd Name?

Photo: Facebook/Fuddruckers

But why the odd name? The founder, Phillip J. Romano, named the business way back in 1979. Perhaps he wanted a whimsical title. If you twist your tongue wrong, you could sound offensive, so be careful. Romano started Freddie Fuddruckers in San Antonio, Texas. He transformed an old bank building into the first restaurant. The chain quickly grew, but Romano, thinking he’d done all he could there, left in 1988 to begin Romano’s Macaroni Grill.

The restaurant chain has undergone several owners since 1988. In 2008, the chain fell upon hard times. After negotiations with several possible buyers, Luby’s outbid contenders at an auction. Under the Luby’s Cafeteria management organization, Fuddruckers now operates 77 company restaurants and 111 franchises. You’ll find a few Fuddruckers and Luby’s Cafeteria in the same building.

Do You Know the Truth About Where Fuddruckers Got its Odd Name?

Photo: Facebook/Fuddruckers

The restaurant offer burgers in multiple proportions and with numerous options. Bacon, mushroom, Tex-Mex. They have one called the Bourbon Burger and one named The Hangover. You want a shake to go with the burger? Yum, they’re delicious. Want to try the exotic? How about the Buffalo or Elk burger?  Not into meat? They’ll prepare a veggie burger for you. For those of us who prefer traditional fare, chicken and salad are available.

If you haven’t tried this Texas chain, now is the time to do it!