If you grew up in the 1950s, you probably remember gathering around the living room television to watch “The Howdy Doody Show.” The Wild West-themed show was led by host Buffalo Bill and his puppet Howdy Doody. The freckle-faced, bandana-wearing character was beloved by children across America, and later, Howdy even served as the inspiration for a popular hamburger chain.
Hi! Beef n’ Burger opened in the 1960s and quickly became a regional favorite in the Northeast. It was the brainchild of William Rosenberg, who also created Dunkin’ Donuts. A little Hi! Beef n’ Burger and Dunkin’ even shared the same location, a vintage twist on the modern KFC/Taco Bell/Pizza Hut combos.
By using Howdy as a mascot, Rosenberg capitalized on children’s love of puppetry. Kids could receive a free Howdy sticker with their meals, and the menu of burgers, fried chicken, shakes and fries also helped attract hungry diners young and old.
The lasting impact of Howdy! Beef and Burger
The brand behind Howdy! Beef n’ Burger was also very memorable. When you entered Howdy! Beef n’ Burger, the staff were like, “Hello, can I help you?” And the restaurant’s advertising jingle (“Fast, Fast, Fast Service and the Best Burgers Ever”) was a catchy earworm before Burger King’s “You Rule” existed.
Hi! Beef n’ Burger only had locations in New England, so it’s a bit of nostalgia. However, if you’re from Connecticut, Massachusetts, Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, or Rhode Island and are over a certain age, you might remember eating a Howdy! hamburger. But unfortunately, in the late 1970s, the last Howdy! The Beef n’ Burger store is closed.
Despite the passage of time, many people still fondly remember eating at Howdy’s! Beef and Burger. On a Facebook post about the retro channel, one commenter wrote: “Howdy was a treat for me. Burgers were 10 cents.” Others agree, with another person stating: “Great memories there. Burgers, fries and a shake for next to nothing. »
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