Burger Queen: A Forgotten Fast-Food Pioneer

Burger lovers of today might be surprised to learn that a different Burger Queen once existed, predating the Burger King we know. Founded in 1956 in Winter Haven, Florida, this Burger Queen boasted a bee mascot named Queenie Bee and a menu featuring not just burgers, but also fried chicken and a novel concept for the time: a self-serve salad bar.

The chain, with its focus on offering more than just hamburgers, aimed to distinguish itself in the burgeoning fast-food landscape. Their slogan, “Have it Your Druthers,” was a play on the word “druthers,” implying customers had the choice of what they wanted.

Burger Queen found success, particularly in the southeastern United States, growing to over 200 locations. However, by the 1980s, the company faced challenges. One theory suggests the name “Burger Queen” limited the perception of their menu variety. In 1981, the chain underwent a major rebranding, transforming into Druther’s restaurants.

The change proved unsuccessful. Druther’s struggled to gain traction, and over the next decade, many locations were sold to another fast-food giant: Dairy Queen.

By the 1990s, the rebranding to Druther’s had proven disastrous. The new name failed to resonate with customers, and the chain lacked the brand recognition it once held. Competing with fast-food giants further squeezed Druther’s market share. In a bid to stay afloat, many Druther’s locations were sold to their competitor, Dairy Queen, throughout the decade. This slow absorption chipped away at Druther’s presence until only a single relic remained, a testament to the failed re-branding and a reminder of the bygone Burger Queen.

Today, only one lone Druther’s remains, a relic of a bygone era, standing in Campbellsville, Kentucky.

Burger Queen’s Menu

While the original Burger Queen offered more than just burgers, their menu did feature a range of sandwiches and sides that competed with other fast-food chains of the era. Here’s a glimpse into what you might have found on a Burger Queen menu:

Burgers:

• Junior Burger: A smaller patty with classic toppings like lettuce, tomato, onion, pickle, and sauce.
• Collin Cheese: A cheeseburger with the addition of sauteed mushrooms and onions, Swiss cheese, and their signature “fry sauce” (a creamy mayo-ketchup blend).
• Hot ‘N Juicy: A larger patty option, likely similar to a McDonald’s All-American burger.
• Chicken Sandwich: Fried chicken with lettuce, tomato, and fry sauce on a bun.
• Hot Dog and Corn Dog: Classic options for those wanting something besides a burger.
• New York Steak Sandwich: A more upscale offering featuring a seared steak on a French roll with fry sauce, lettuce, and tomato.
• Soup & Salad: Burger Queen even offered broth-based soups and a chef salad, a rarity for fast food in the 1960s and 70s.
• Sides: French fries, cheese fries, curly fries, and ice cream rounded out the menu.

The Royal Burger: A Big Mac Inspiration?

Burger Queen’s Royal Burger did bear a resemblance to the iconic Big Mac. Both featured double hamburger patties, a center layer of bread, and a special sauce. However, there were key differences:

• Size: The Royal Burger was likely smaller than the Big Mac.
• Sauce: While the exact recipe is unknown, Burger Queen’s sauce might have been a simpler mayo-ketchup blend compared to the Big Mac’s special sauce.
• Toppings: The Royal Burger likely had a more classic set of toppings like lettuce, tomato, and pickles, whereas the Big Mac introduced dehydrated onions to the fast-food world.

Whether the Royal Burger was a direct copy or simply a case of parallel menu development is up for debate. Regardless, it highlights the competitive nature of the fast-food industry, where chains constantly strive to offer variations on popular themes.

Burger Queen’s story offers a fascinating glimpse into the competitive world of fast food. Though the original Burger Queen may be gone, its legacy lives on in the success of the self-serve salad bar concept and as a reminder of the importance of branding in the fast-food industry.