From the finest eatery to the fastest drive thru, burgers have taken over the restaurant industry — and they show no signs of letting up, both as a top consumer menu pick and the hottest growth segment in foodservice. 

Technomic research shows that nearly half of today’s consumers, about 48 percent, eat a burger at least once a week, up from 38 percent in 2009. The NRN Top 100 survey shows burger brands dominating the top growth chains, from Five Guys Burger & Fries to Culver’s, Hardee’s and Whataburger. 

Whether high end or low, it’s obvious we love the burger right now. 

Consumers also say, according to Technomic, that it’s important for restaurants to offer a variety of burgers, in terms of ingredients and pricing. They tell the Chicago-based market research firm that while traditional toppings — American cheese, lettuce and tomato — dominate taste buds, a wider variety of toppings — avocado, pepper Jack cheese and buffalo sauce — is becoming more popular.

Nation’s Restaurant News selected some of the most iconic burgers in the business, from the quick-service chain In-N-Out to the upscale BLT Burger, and broke down their building blocks. You’ll see what makes the sandwiches special, whether it’s a freshly baked bun, proprietary meat blend, or extras like chef Bobby Flay’s potato chips.

First up: 5 Napkin Burger