When customers want more than a classic burger, try raising the bar with multiple patties and tiers of toppings. Let’s pull back the layers of multi-stack burgers to see what makes them so appealing for both your guests and your bottom line.
Reshape the Standards
Ever since Bob’s Big Boy served the first official double cheeseburger in 19371, the love affair for vertical burger height has only gone, well, up. Consumers may love them for the unique, mouth-opening experience, but there’s also a science behind why double-patty burgers seem to taste better than normal.
When you grill a single patty, the meat develops that incredible roasted flavor from the crispy outer layer. Grill two separate patties and that surface area doubles, creating twice as much flavor.
In terms of toppings, stacking up multiple or a variety of veggies, sauces or cheeses creates a flavor symphony of tastes and textures that a simpler build couldn’t produce.
Layers of Benefits
Stacked burgers do as much for you as they do your guests.
Grow Orders
Today’s diners crave food that doubles as an experience.2 Offering a uniquely tall burger can attract those who want something beyond the expected.
Up-Charge
In general, the more you stack, the more you can charge. You’re not only selling additional ingredients, but you’re also creating memorable meals.
Stay Resourceful
Layering up your burger doesn’t always require sourcing new ingredients. Use what you have on hand to reach your vertical goals.
Tips for Creating Multi-Stack Burgers
- Use cheese as a glue to keep everything secure.
- Avoid slippery ingredients and oil-based sauces for the same reason.
- Use hearty buns for support. Crisp up your buns to create a stronger foundation.
- Let your burgers sit before piling high to avoid juice drips and soggy buns.
- Short wooden skewers go a long way.
Big Inspiration
Try these multi-stack combinations on your menu:
Classic Bacon Cheeseburger Stack
- Brioche bun
- Ketchup and mustard
- Red onion
- Lettuce leaves
- Cheddar cheese
- Bacon strips
- Beef patty
- Cheddar cheese
- Beef patty
- Brioche bun
Southwest Fiesta Burger Tower
- Whole wheat bun
- Chipotle mayo
- Fresh cilantro leaves
- Sautéed onions
- Roasted red bell peppers
- Sliced jalapeños
- Pepper jack cheese
- Two beef patties
- Whole wheat bun
Mediterranean Feta Delight
- Pita bread round
- Tzatziki sauce
- Kalamata olives
- Pickled red onion
- Sliced cucumber
- Baby spinach leaves
- Feta cheese crumbles
- Two beef patties
- Pita bread round
The Turf-and-Surf-and-Turf
- Brioche bun
- Horseradish spread
- Caramelized onions
- Avocado slices
- Butter lettuce leaves
- Swiss cheese
- Beef patty
- Grilled lobster tail
- Swiss cheese
- Beef patty
- Brioche bun
Sources:
1 Chicago Tribune, Nov 2017
2 Restaurant Dive, Jan 2023
