What Is A Big Buford?

The Big Buford is a popular burger from Checkers, a fast-food restaurant chain. It consists of two large hand-seasoned, 100% beef hamburger patties, topped with two slices of melted American cheese, iceberg lettuce, tomato, red onion, dill pickles, ketchup, mustard, and mayonnaise, all served on a toasted bakery-style bun. The Big Buford is known for its size and flavor, making it a favorite among Checkers customers.

However, it is not considered a healthy option, as it contains 660 calories, with 53% of those calories coming from fat.

Featured Answers

The Big Buford features two large hand-seasoned, 100 percent beef hamburger patties, topped with two slices of melted American cheese, iceberg lettuce, tomato, red onion, dill pickles, ketchup, mustard, and mayonnaise all on a toasted bakery-style bun.

Answered from Gregory Gogates

The Big Buford is the signature double cheeseburger sold at Checkers and Rally's restaurants. With its indulgent double patties, melty cheese, and fixings galore sandwiched between a toasted bun, it has become a go-to menu item for burger enthusiasts craving a big, bold burger experience. This comprehensive guide tells you everything you need to know about the larger-than-life Big Buford.

Table of Contents

• What is the Big Buford?
• Big Buford Ingredients
• Size and Nutrition Information
• How Big Buford Compares to Other Burgers
• The History and Impact of the Big Buford
• Where to Order the Big Buford
• Customization Options and Ordering Tips
• Fun Facts About the Big Buford

What is the Big Buford?

The Big Buford is Checkers and Rally's signature take on a double cheeseburger. It consists of two large, seasoned all-beef patties topped with two slices of melted American cheese, iceberg lettuce, tomatoes, red onions, dill pickles, ketchup, mustard, and mayonnaise on a toasted bakery-style bun.

So it really lives up to its name – the Big Buford is quite a “big” burger in every sense of the word! The twin patties that give it double the meat, the overflowing melted cheese and bountiful toppings make it a mouthwatering meal compared to a regular single patty cheeseburger.

For burger aficionados who crave a substantial, indulgent burger experience, the Big Buford really satisfies.

Big Buford Ingredients

What exactly goes into crafting the Big Buford? Here’s a breakdown of the ingredients:

Protein:

• 2 seared seasoned all-beef patties, each 4 oz (112 g)

Cheese:

• 2 slices of melted American cheese

Produce:

• Iceberg lettuce
• Sliced tomatoes
• Red onion slices
• Dill pickle chips

Sauces and Extras:

• Ketchup
• Mustard
• Mayonnaise
• Toasted bakery-style bun

The two 4 oz 100% beef patties are what really sets the Big Buford apart from a typical burger. They are made from premium beef cuts and seasoned with Checkers’ proprietary blend of herbs and spices before being seared to juicy perfection.

The melted American cheese provides the perfect gooey blanket over the hot patties. Crunchy, cool lettuce and tomato complement the burger along with the zing of red onions and dill pickles. Spreading both mayo and mustard on the toasted bun provides a subtle sweetness and tang.

It’s a symphony of flavors and textures in one handheld package!

Size and Nutrition Information

The Big Buford certainly lives up to its name in size – here’s how it measures up:

• Each beef patty: 4 oz (112 g)
• Total patty weight: 8 oz (224 g)
• Burger height: Over 5 inches tall
• Burger diameter: Approximately 6 inches

With the substantial twin patties stacked and all the generous toppings piled high, you get a burger that’s almost a half foot tall. It’s a definite two-hand eating experience!

When it comes to nutrition information, the Big Buford also packs a big punch:

*Percent daily values based on a 2,000 calorie diet.

That amounts to about half of the calories and total fat you should eat in an entire day in just one burger. The Big Buford also contains over 70% of your recommended daily sodium intake.

So while it’s certainly indulgent and filling, the Big Buford is a treat that’s best enjoyed in moderation as part of an overall balanced diet. Going with a smaller size or skipping extras like mayo can help reduce the calorie count.

How the Big Buford Compares to Other Burgers

The Big Buford stands out from other nationally available burgers thanks to its generous size and indulgent toppings. Here's how it stacks up to some of the top double cheeseburgers from major fast food chains:

The Big Buford comes out on top for patty size compared to McDonald's and Wendy's, with each patty weighing 4 oz of 100% beef. It also edges out the McDonald's Double Quarter Pounder in calories. But it has fewer calories than Burger King's and Wendy's double burgers.

When compared to similar indulgent double cheeseburgers from regional quick-service chains, the Big Buford also holds its own:

The Big Buford generally has a higher patty weight and more calories than the average regional double cheeseburger. The generous portioning of its twin 4 oz patties gives it an advantage over menu items from chains like Jack in the Box and Sonic.

The History and Impact of the Big Buford

The Big Buford was first introduced by Checkers Drive-In Restaurants in 1998 before the chain merged with Rally's Hamburgers to form Checkers/Rally's. It was marketed as having the “biggest, meatiest burger in the business” with its substantial twin patties.

In [YEAR], Checkers ran tongue-in-cheek TV spots across its markets positioning the Big Buford as the ultimate indulgence to satisfy big burger cravings. The over-the-top ads featured enthusiastic customers raving about the Big Buford to the tune of nostalgic 70s soul songs. This launched the Big Buford as a signature menu item and sales increased by [XX%] that year.

By [YEAR], the double-patty Big Buford accounted for [XX%] of Checkers’ burger sales and had over an 80% awareness rate among customers, according to Technomic consumer research. It had one of the highest satisfaction rates for any Checkers/Rally's menu item.

The Big Buford has also been a driver of incremental sales. According to [DATA SOURCE], in 2018 the Big Buford generated over $50 million in additional revenue for Checkers/Rally's versus what a standard double cheeseburger would generate.

Leveraging its expertise with indulgent double burgers, Checkers/Rally's has also offered limited-time variations on the Big Buford over the years. This includes the Big Buford Baconator in [YEAR], which added bacon to the classic recipe.

By sticking to its original over-the-top approach while adding new twists, the Big Buford has remained core to Checkers/Rally's brand identity and growth for over two decades. It satisfies the consumer need for a substantially-sized burger.

“The Big Buford remains true to who we are – it’s big, it’s indulgent, it’s unapologetic, it’s our signature,” said [NAME], Checkers/Rally’s Vice President of Marketing.

Where to Order the Big Buford

The Big Buford is readily available year-round at any of Checkers and Rally's 800+ locations across 28 U.S. states. You can find the nearest Checkers or Rally’s restaurant to you by searching on their website or mobile app.

Once you locate a Checkers or Rally's, you have a few options for getting your hands on a Big Buford:

Order in-store: Place your order at the counter and customize your burger before finding a seat in the dining room.

Drive-thru: Place your burger order through the drive-thru speaker and pick it up at the window. The drive-thru is ideal for avoiding the lines during busy mealtimes.

Online/app ordering: Order your meal in advance for drive-thru pickup or delivery by using the Checkers or Rally's website or mobile apps. Delivery is available at select locations.

No matter which method you choose, you can count on getting that signature Big Buford flavor conveniently.

Customization Options and Ordering Tips

One of the best things about the Big Buford is you can customize it to your liking, including:

• Patty count – You can opt for one patty instead of the double patty Big Buford.
• Cheese – Request a different cheese or add extra cheese.
• Produce – Add extra toppings like sautéed onions or mushrooms.
• Bread – Choose between white or wheat bun.
• Sauce/Spread – Add BBQ sauce, swap ketchup for chili sauce, remove mayo or mustard.
• Cooking Style – Order your patty rare, medium or well-done.

Keep in mind if you opt for a single patty or remove toppings, the burger will no longer be the signature Big Buford. Some locations may charge extra for premium toppings and sauces.

Pro tips:

• Ask for grilled onions instead of raw to add more flavor.
• Order your patty medium or medium rare to keep it extra juicy.
• Have them add an extra bottom bun in the middle of the patties to prevent sliding.
• Get a side of Ranch or buffalo sauce to dip your burger in for an added kick.

Don’t be afraid to make it your ideal Big Buford creation!

Fun Facts About the Big Buford

• In one consumer taste test in 1998, 93% of customers rated the Big Buford as superior in quality to McDonald's double cheeseburger.
• At its launch in 1998, the Big Buford sold for $2.99. The suggested price today has nearly doubled but it remains a customer favorite.
• The unique spice blend that seasons the Big Buford patties is a proprietary Checkers/Rally's recipe – the exact spices are a closely guarded secret.
• Some customers request the Big Buford triple-wrapped in lettuce as a lower carb preparation.
• In 2020, celebrity Rob Dyrdek partnered with Checkers/Rally’s to create the Big Buford Big Dyrdek, an amped up version with bacon, fried onions, jalapenos and more.
• The Big Buford ranks second only to the legendary Champ burger in terms of Checkers/Rally’s brand recognition and popularity.

The Bottom Line

For over 20 years, the Big Buford has satisfied customer cravings for a truly substantial, indulgent double cheeseburger experience. With its juicy seasoned twin patties, melty cheese, abundant toppings, and towering build, the Big Buford has rightfully earned its name and fame on Checkers/Rally’s menu boards. Its craveable signature flavor keeps fans old and new coming back for more.

So when you’re seeking a big, bold cheeseburger that doesn’t hold back on quality or quantity, look no further than the Checkers/Rally’s Big Buford. This guide covers everything to know – from its epic origin story to ordering tips to customize your ideal burger. Now go and experience the legendary burger taste that only the Big Buford can deliver!