The Original Burgermaster

 

1/20/25 Burgermaster near University Village

Although I haven’t eaten a burger since I was in my early 20s, I’m aware that the original Burgermaster (part of a local chain) is a long-time Seattle institution. More than a fast food stand, it has served as a community center since 1952. Like a neighborhood diner, regulars know that when they go there, they will likely see friends. It is a community “third place.”

I learned a few days ago that it will close next month to make way for yet another humongous apartment complex near University Village. I don’t know if it is always crowded or if fans were flocking to pay homage and say good-bye, but the large parking lot was jam-packed around 2:30 p.m. when I sketched this. I don’t have any personal connection to this Burgermaster, but I can imagine the loss to its community.

More than 10 years ago, I sketched another Burgermaster – one of few remaining drive-in restaurants in the Seattle area. It’s probably only a matter of time before that one gets replaced by an apartment building, too, since that seems to be the way everything is going.