Burger Chef

Burger Chef was an American fast-food restaurant chain. It began operating in 1954 in Indianapolis, Indiana, expanded throughout the United States, and at its peak in 1973, the chain had 1,050 locations, including some in Canada. The chain featured several signature items, such as the Big Shef and Super Shef hamburgers. In 1982, the General Foods Corporation, owners of the Burger Chef trademark and name, divested itself of the restaurant chain, gradually selling to the owners of Hardee's. The final restaurant to use Burger Chef's branding and signage closed in 1996. Three former locations (in Cleveland, Tennessee; South Charleston, West Virginia; and Reidsville, North Carolina) continue to sell Burger Chef menu items, but no longer operate under that name. The Cleveland, Tennessee, location holds the distinction of being the only one that has never closed. It is said that the restaurant underwent a transformation at midnight, with signage removed and the name changed to “The Chef.” Currently, Ross Weaver owns the restaurant, which was purchased by his father in 1992. Known as the last remaining “Almost Burger Chef” in the country, The Chef is famous for its local dish, Hot Slaw, which has been a staple on their menu for over four decades and has even been featured in The New York Times.