Wedl’s Hamburger Stand: A Century-Old Jefferson Gem
Wedl’s Hamburger Stand and Ice Cream Parlor, located in Jefferson, Wisconsin, is a beloved institution with a rich history dating back over 100 years. Known for its tiny 8-by-8-foot shack and mouthwatering slider-style burgers, this iconic eatery has become a cherished piece of local heritage and a must-visit destination for burger enthusiasts.
History of Wedl’s Hamburger Stand
The story of Wedl’s begins in 1916, when William August Bergholz opened a hamburger stand outside his grocery store at the corner of Racine Street and Center Avenue in downtown Jefferson. What started as a modest sidewalk cart soon evolved into a permanent fixture—a small, standalone shack that has since become one of the smallest burger joints in the United States, measuring just 64 square feet. Over the decades, the stand has changed hands multiple times, operating under various names such as Becker’s (1949–1974) and Armstrong’s (1974–2002), but its core identity as a purveyor of classic, no-frills burgers has remained intact.
A defining feature of Wedl’s is its culinary tradition, centered around a cast-iron skillet that’s over 100 years old. This skillet, seasoned by time and use, survived a dramatic incident in 1999 when an 80-year-old driver crashed into the stand, destroying the structure but leaving the grill unscathed. The stand was rebuilt, and the skillet continues to cook burgers in a generous amount of lard—a method that harks back to early 20th-century cooking practices and gives the patties their distinctive flavor.
In 2007, the Wedl family—Rick, Rosie, and their son Robby—purchased the stand, renaming it Wedl’s Hamburger Stand. Robby, who had worked there since he was 15, took over as manager, and in 2023, he and his wife Shandell became the owners, marking a new chapter in its legacy. The adjacent ice cream parlor, which evolved from the original grocery store space, complements the stand, offering Chocolate Shoppe ice cream and other treats.
Celebrating its 100th season in 2016, Wedl’s has endured challenges like the Great Depression, floods, and the 1999 crash, emerging as a testament to resilience and tradition. Today, it draws locals and travelers alike, some journeying miles out of their way to experience its nostalgic charm and unbeatable burgers.
The Hamburger at Wedl’s
Wedl’s burgers are a throwback to the classic American slider, served in a style reminiscent of the 1930s. Each patty weighs about 1/8 pound, made from fresh ground beef sourced locally from River’s Edge Meat Market in Jefferson. The cooking process is simple yet distinctive: the beef is smashed into thin patties on the century-old cast-iron skillet, cooked in lard, and topped with options like fried or raw onions, cheese, and bacon. Condiments such as pickles, mustard, and Wedl’s house sauce are available for self-service, keeping the focus on the burger’s pure, greasy goodness. The result is a flavorful, crispy-edged patty that’s small enough to stack—doubles and triples are popular—but big on taste, embodying a timeless, no-nonsense approach to burger-making.
Age of the Restaurant
As of April 9, 2025, Wedl’s Hamburger Stand is 109 years old, having first opened in 1916. This makes it one of the oldest continuously operating burger joints in Wisconsin and likely the country, a remarkable feat for such a small establishment. Its enduring popularity and preservation of traditional methods cement its status as a living piece of culinary history.
Wedl’s isn’t just a restaurant—it’s a Jefferson landmark, a symbol of community, and a delicious slice of Americana that’s been sizzling for over a century.
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