Hamburger Relish in 1970's Southern California?

Question

In the 1970's every hamburger that my parents would buy for me in Southern California at hamburger stands always had a slightly sweet, tangy flavor that suddenly disappeared in the 1980's. What was this taste? Was it some kind of hamburger relish? I'd love to find out so I can make my hamburgers taste circa 1972.
 
Thanks

Answer

David, I buy Del Monte's Hamburger Relish. Tastes like So. Cal. circa '70s to me.

Answer

The only hamburger stand that I went to in the 70's was Foster's Freeze and that was just for onions rings and/or a banana-nut milkshake.
 
But, I do remember a hamburger at Bob's Big Boy restaurant having the sweet and tangy flavor. They called it their "special relish" and I think that was a sweet pickle relish mixed with ketchup. It was red and had pickle bits in it. They were a pretty popular hamburger place in Southern California.
 
Anyway, you can probably buy some Bob's Big Boy hamburger relish from them and maybe see if that's it. I don't think they've changed their recipe. Maybe contact one of their restaurants or shoot them an e-mail (at merchandising@bigboy.com ).

Link: http://www.bigboy.com/

Answer

Hellman's used to make a "Hamburger Spread" that was heavy on the relish, with a base similar to Thousand Island dressing, but heavier on the tomato, and less mayo. Unfortunately, they quit making it quite some time ago.
 
You might try topsecretrecipes.com - if you contact the author through the website, you may be able to get the product you seek, or, at least, a recipe for it. Good luck!
 
=^..^=

Answer

The Hamburger Relish you seek is still being served at the Apple Pan on their original Steak Burgers. You should be able to unlock the secret after trying one. There are only two ingredients and neither one is Mayo!

Answer

Could have been a victim of the lo-fat, low-sugar, low-salt and NO-TASTE revolution.

Answer

Bob’s Big Boy Hamburger Sauce Ingredients

2 Teaspoons water 
2 Tablespoons sweet relish 
1/4 cup mayonnaise 
2 Tablespoons ketchup 
How to Make Bob’s Big Boy Sauce
This is really easy just combine the relish, mayonnaise,water and ketchup. That’s your big boy sauce

Answer

My Aunt Zan's chili sauce always reminds me of west coast burgers of the seventies... 20 to 24 tomatoes, 4 or 5 large onions, 4 large green peppers, 3 or 4 hot peppers ( I use jalapeños), 1 3/4 cups vinegar, 1 1/2 cups sugar, 2 tsp cinnamon, 1 tsp each of ground cloves, ginger, and allspice, 1/4 tsp. cayenne, 1/4 up salt, and a tsp. of whole black peppercorns, ground coarse. Chop it all, simmer 4 hours, and can.

Answer

I, too, am looking for a pickle relish that was more tangy than sweet, and had a dark green color, sometimes with a hint of purple. I've tasted the major brands in vain of finding this elusive relish. Please help!

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Hamburger Relish in 1970's Southern California?

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