Cheeseburger in Paradise, a restaurant concept deeply rooted in the music and lifestyle of American musician Jimmy Buffett, has a fascinating history. The first restaurant under this name opened on August 19, 2002, in the Southport area of Indianapolis, Indiana, as a partnership between Buffett’s Margaritaville Holdings LLC and OSI Restaurant Partners, with Outback Steakhouse handling the franchising[4].
However, it’s important to note that there are two distinct entities with the “Cheeseburger in Paradise” name. One is associated with Jimmy Buffett and operated as a casual dining chain in the United States from 2002 to 2020. The other is a separate chain based in Hawaii, which has no relation to Buffett’s business but was allowed to retain the name after a legal settlement[4].
Menu and Offerings
The Cheeseburger in Paradise restaurant, particularly the location in Waikiki, Hawaii, offers a diverse and appealing menu.
Breakfast
The restaurant is open for breakfast from 7 am to 11 am and features items such as:
Just Eggs: Two eggs any style with bacon, sausage, or Portuguese sausage, served with toast and a choice of hash browns or rice ($15.50)[5].
Cheeseburger Scramble: A beef patty scrambled with two eggs, Colby Jack cheese, and fresh pico de Gallo, served with toast and a choice of hash browns or rice ($17.50)[5].
Breakfast Cheeseburger: The famous Cheeseburger topped with a fried egg, bacon, Colby Jack cheese, spicy mayo, lettuce, tomato, and onion, served with a choice of hash browns or rice ($20)[5].
Lunch and Dinner
The core of the menu revolves around their signature cheeseburgers, made with a blend of ribeye, chuck, and premium ground beef, cooked medium and served on a Brioche bun with fries:
The Original Five Napkin Cheeseburger: Colby Jack cheese, mayo, lettuce, tomato, and onion ($19.50)[2][5].
Steakhouse Burger: Swiss cheese, sautéed mushrooms, arugula, tomato, and pickled red onion, served with fries drizzled with spicy fry sauce ($20.50)[2][5].
Island Style Cheeseburger: Colby Jack cheese, mayo, teriyaki glazed grilled pineapple, green onion, fresh avocado, lettuce, and tomato ($20.50)[2][5].
The Ali’i Cheeseburger: Colby Jack cheese, mayo, crispy bacon, fried egg, lettuce, tomato, and onion ($21)[2][5].
In addition to cheeseburgers, the menu includes starters like chicken wings, poke nachos, and coconut shrimp, as well as a variety of salads and other non-cheeseburger options such as fish tacos and sandwiches[2][5].
Locations and Operations
The Jimmy Buffett-associated chain of Cheeseburger in Paradise restaurants operated across 14 states with 23 locations at its peak but began closing down most of its locations in 2018. The last remaining location in Secaucus, New Jersey, closed permanently in September 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic[4].
However, the independent Cheeseburger in Paradise locations in Hawaii, specifically in Lahaina and Waikiki, continue to operate. These restaurants were part of a separate chain that began in 1989 and were allowed to keep the name after a legal settlement with Jimmy Buffett[4].
Key Facts
History: The first Cheeseburger in Paradise restaurant opened in 2002 in Indianapolis, Indiana, as a partnership between Jimmy Buffett’s company and OSI Restaurant Partners[4].
Menu: Features a range of breakfast items, signature cheeseburgers made with a blend of ribeye, chuck, and premium ground beef, and various starters and salads[2][5].
Locations: The original chain closed down in 2020, but independent locations in Hawaii, such as in Waikiki, continue to operate[4].
Legal Distinction: The Hawaii-based restaurants are not associated with Jimmy Buffett and were allowed to retain the name after a legal settlement[4].
Operating Hours: The Waikiki location is open 7 days a week from 7 am to 10 pm for dine-in and takeaway[5].
Special Offers: Includes a $7.99 breakfast special daily from 7 am to 11 am, along with $6.00 mimosas and bloody marys[1].
This guide provides a comprehensive overview of the Cheeseburger in Paradise restaurant, highlighting its unique history, diverse menu offerings, and the distinction between the different chains operating under this name.
