[Congressional Record Volume 150, Number 106 (Thursday, September 9, 2004)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1573]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                 50TH ANNIVERSARY OF BERT'S BURGER BOWL

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                             HON. TOM UDALL

                             of new mexico

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, September 9, 2004

  Mr. UDALL of New Mexico. Mr. Speaker, it is with great pleasure that 
I rise today to celebrate the 50th anniversary of a true Santa Fe 
landmark: Bert's Burger Bowl. Last month I joined with thousands of New 
Mexicans to celebrate this milestone as well as their claim to fame--
the invention and commercial serving of one of New Mexico's famous 
foods, the green chile cheeseburger.
  Staff t-shirts at Bert's boast, ``Since 1954: One Location 
Worldwide.'' To stay in business that long, Bert's is doing something 
right. This is the home of the greatest green chile cheeseburger in the 
world--a claim that is not easily contested--perhaps best known for 
allowing their customers to have a burger their way or not at all.
  The current owners of Bert's Burger, Fernando and Debra Olea, decided 
to change their prices on August 17 to 1950s prices as a way to thank 
their loyal customers. By the time the day was done, thousands of New 
Mexicans had lined up for 35-cent green chile burgers, 19-cent crinkle 
cut fries and 10-cent soft drinks. Incredibly, between 10:30 a.m. and 
2:45 p.m., Bert's served 2,000 burgers with only eight people working.
  Bert's Burger Bowl, one of the last independently owned drive-in 
restaurants, was founded in 1954 by Bert Burtram, a World War II 
veteran, who operated the business 11 years before selling it to Fred 
and Barbara DeCastro. The Oleas bought Bert's in 1991 on the condition 
nothing be changed.
  The most popular item on the menu has been and will remain No. 6--a 
chile/cheese burger. The eatery also serves burritos, Frito pies, fried 
chicken, chicken gizzards and chicken livers. Bert's is also known for 
its freshly made lemonade and limeade, as well as the cherry-lime drink 
and French Coke made with a dash of vanilla. Loyal customers, who dine 
under umbrellas on a sun-drenched patio overlooking Guadalupe Street, 
have kept Bert's in business all these years.
  For the last half century, Bert's Burger Bowl has held a special 
place in the hearts of northern New Mexico residents and tourists. 
During the recent celebration, I met scores of people who told me their 
first job was at Bert's. Santa Fe Mayor Larry Delgado and his lovely 
wife Angie recalled how their very first date was at Bert's. Another 
customer reminded me that the establishment served as a backdrop for 
the 1971 movie ``Two Lane Blacktop.'' For 50 years, Bert's has meant so 
much to so many.
  As the only member of the New Mexico congressional delegation to 
serve on the House Small Business Committee, I know the important 
contribution enterprises like Bert's make to our economy. I salute 
Fernando and Debra and their employees for their hard work and 
dedication. It was truly my honor to join with them on this milestone. 
My best wishes for another 50 years of success.




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