Hungry for History: Marking El Reno’s Culinary Specialty

The new Onion Burger historic marker in El Reno.

When you mention the town of El Reno to a Route 66er, there are often two words that immediately come to mind: onion burger. This popular depression-era meal has become a cornerstone of the city’s identity, which is celebrated with a downtown festival every May. Now, thanks to the Oklahoma Route 66 Association, the City of El Reno, and the William G. Pomeroy Foundation, there is a new marker alongside Route 66 that lets everyone know that this local flavor has a place in history.

Back in 2021, the William G. Pomeroy Foundation launched the “Hungry for History” historic marker grant program. The purpose of the program is to celebrate, “America’s food history by telling the stories of local and regional food specialties across the United States.” Featured dishes have to be created prior to 1970, historically significant to the community, unbranded, and still enjoyed today. El Reno’s Onion Burger fit all of the criteria.

Of course, just saying the onion burger is a big part of El Reno’s history is much different than proving it in a detailed, sourced way. The Oklahoma Route 66 Association talked to author John T. Edge about his book Hamburger & Fries: An American Story and engaged the Oklahoma Department of Libraries. “If it wasn’t for Carolyn Barker’s publication History of the El Reno Hamburger Places,” said Association President Rhys Martin, “we would’ve had a hard time getting the sources needed to make this a reality.” Once that was in order, the Association worked with the City of El Reno to find a visible, neutral location for the marker. All of this information was accepted, and a beautiful new historic marker courtesy of the William G. Pomeroy Foundation made its way to El Reno.

On Monday, November 18th, the new marker was unveiled on the northeast corner of Wade St and Choctaw Ave. Mayor Jensen spoke about how proud the city was of its history and the Association President higlighted the fact that people came from all over the world to sample the town’s famous cuisine. For the grand reveal, City Manager Matt Sandidge brought up a few local burger dignitaries: Otis Bruce, Robert Sanders, Ed Graham, and Marty Hall. O.F. Burger, the Burger Day mascot, was also there to cheer on the event. From the new marker, you can see the three operating restaurants that these gentlemen represented: Johnnie’s Hamburgers & Coneys, Robert’s Grill, and Sid’s Diner. No matter where you decide to sample this local delicacy for yourself, you’re in for a treat.

The historic marker is unveiled to the delight of several dozen onlookers.

“We’re proud to have helped bring the very first marker from this foundation to Oklahoma out of nearly 2,500 across the country,” said Association President Rhys Martin. “It’s also the only Hungry for History marker west of Louisiana…for now! We look forward to seeing other Route 66 communities across the country take advantage of this program to tell their unique culinary history!”

You can learn more about the Hungry for History marker program here and see a map of all of the William G. Pomeroy markers across the country here, including the brand-new marker in El Reno!

Matt Sandidge and Rhys Martin pose stand with the new historic marker.