The Burger Pit 1956 Crewneck Sweatshirt

In 1953, Al Berger opened up The Burger Bar in downtown San Jose, creating a popular spot for college students to grab a bite. Over the next few years, Al opened up two more locations. In 1956, he opened the first Burger Pit in Cupertino that featured a charcoal fired grill. The Burger Pit was a hit, and Al opened more than 25 locations throughout the San Jose area over the years where folks could get their charcoal broiled Steerburgers and flat-iron steaks. In the mid-80s, most of the locations were sold to a national fast food chain, but Al kept the primary location on Blossom Hill Road, leaving his son to run the show after retiring in 1986. The Burger Pit enjoyed a run of over 70 years before sadly closing their doors in 2024.