Better Burgers, Please!

Many countries are currently experiencing a veritable burger boom. However, it's not the big fast-food players but regional fast-casual chains with a store count still far below 1,000 that are making headlines with ambitious growth spurts. On their menus is a new generation of better quality burgers made to order and served in a pleasant ambience. Because the home country of the burger plays the leading role in this connection, we begin this issue's pan-European survey with a close look at the United States where numerous examples show how America's staple food can be elevated to new culinary heights. Part 1 of our international overview.