Fast Company: Key Moments in Burger Innovation

In the last 15 years, the seemingly simple hamburger has been transformed into a culinary work of art. From a humble beginning as a meat patty on a bun, inspired chefs have transformed the American staple with 24K gold dust and other fun and unusual ingredients.

According to Fast Company, in 2001, famed French chef Daniel Boulud introduced the Original db Burger. With its price of $27 back in 2001 (which converts to $35 today) and innovative ingredients like braised short ribs, foie gras and black truffles, the Original db jump started the burger boom.

Thirteen years later, Habit Burger Grill—home of the “best burger in America,” according to Consumer Reports—was the first better-burger chain to file for an IPO. According to Fast Company, the stock price skyrocketed 100 percent in the brand’s first day or trading. This paved the way for Shake Shack’s IPO months later.