Ted's Restaurant

Ted's Restaurant

Company type	Private
Industry	Food service
Founded	1959 in Meriden, Connecticut, United States
Founder	Ted Duberek
Headquarters	Meriden , United States
Area served	Connecticut
Products	Steamed cheeseburgers, hamburgers

Ted's Restaurant is a hamburger eatery founded in 1959, best known for its signature steamed cheeseburger. Its original establishment is located in Meriden, Connecticut, United States. In addition to the main restaurant, the business operates a food truck and a concession stand.

Early years

The steamed cheeseburger, sometimes referred to as a "steamer" or "cheeseburg," is thought to have been created during the 1930s at "Jack's Lunch" in Middletown, Connecticut. Although its precise beginnings are uncertain, Ted Duberek, who founded Ted's Restaurant, launched the business in 1959 in Meriden with the goal of serving steamed burgers primarily to local factory workers. To accommodate factory shift schedules, the restaurant initially stayed open late into the night.

Steamed cheeseburger preparation

Unlike conventional cheeseburgers that are grilled or fried, Ted's steamed cheeseburgers are prepared inside a stainless-steel cabinet containing trays with hamburger patties and cheese. This steaming technique melts the cheese and allows fat to drain from the meat, producing a tender and juicy burger. Once cooked, the meat is placed on a bun and topped with melted cheese along with traditional condiments. This distinctive cooking style is a key factor in Ted's product uniqueness and customer appeal.

Changes in ownership

Although many local factories relocated production overseas, Ted's continued operating with shorter hours. Following the death of founder Ted Duberek in the early 1970s, his son Paul Duberek assumed leadership until 2007. Paul then sold the establishment to his nephew Bill Foreman, who had previously worked at Ted’s while attending school. Bill has since managed the restaurant with minimal alterations, preserving the steamed cheeseburger as the hallmark offering.

Expansion attempt

During the 2010s, Ted’s expanded by opening two additional branches in Cromwell and North Haven, Connecticut; however, both locations ceased operations by 2018.

In the media

Ted’s received nationwide attention after being featured on the Travel Channel’s Man v. Food (season 2, 2009) and Burger Land in 2013, boosting its brand visibility.

"Steam Machine" food truck

The business runs the "Steam Machine" food truck that serves steamed cheeseburgers at prominent venues such as Bushnell Park and Xfinity Theatre in Hartford, as well as UConn Huskies football games held at Pratt & Whitney Stadium in East Hartford.

PeoplesBank Arena concession stand

Ted’s also operates a concession stand located behind section 101 at PeoplesBank Arena in Hartford, broadening its footprint within local sports and entertainment settings.

Hartford Yard Goats promotion

In August 2018, Ted’s was spotlighted as the sole food vendor during a promotional event for the Hartford Yard Goats minor league baseball team. The team temporarily adopted the name "Hartford Steamed Cheeseburgers," donning themed uniforms while Ted’s offered freshly prepared steamed cheeseburgers at the stadium’s "Hartford Neighborhood Flavors Cart," reinforcing Ted’s community ties and market presence.

See also

• List of Connecticut companies
• List of hamburger restaurants