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{{Infobox restaurant
{{Infobox restaurant
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'''Kuma's Corner''' ('''Kuma's''') is a [[Hamburger|burger]] restaurant with a [[Heavy metal music|heavy-metal]] theme based in [[Chicago]], [[Illinois]].
'''Kuma's Corner''' ('''Kuma's''') is a renowned [[Hamburger|burger]] restaurant with a [[Heavy metal music|heavy-metal]] theme based in [[Chicago]], [[Illinois]], known for its unique burger creations and its influence in popularizing the [[pretzel]] bun.<ref name="Eater"/><ref name="DenverEaterApril2019">{{cite news |last=Wallace |first=Amanda M. Faison |title=Chicago's Kuma's Corner Will Bring Its Metal and Burgers to RiNo |url=https://denver.eater.com/2019/4/1/18287769/kumas-corner-opening-december-2019-rino |work=Eater Denver |date=April 1, 2019 }}</ref><ref name="ChicagoBusinessJuly2017">{{cite news |last=Kramer |first=Lisa |title=Kuma's brings its metal and burgers to the West Loop |url=https://www.chicagobusiness.com/article/20170727/ISSUE03/170729894/kuma-s-west-loop-chicago-restaurant-review |work=Crain's Chicago Business |date=July 27, 2017 }}</ref><ref name="ChicagoTribuneJuly2016">{{cite news |last=Keilman |first=John |title=Are fancy burger buns worth the extra dough? |url=https://www.chicagotribune.com/dining/ct-fancy-burger-buns-food-720-20160713-story.html |work=Chicago Tribune |date=July 13, 2016 }}</ref><ref name="ChicagoTribuneSept2009">{{cite news |last=Schmich |first=Mary |title=Heavy-metal burger heaven |url=https://www.chicagotribune.com/news/ct-xpm-2009-09-24-0909240252-story.html |work=Chicago Tribune |date=September 24, 2009 }}</ref> Its burgers have often been described as the best in Chicago,<ref name="WGN">[https://wgntv.com/news/trending/the-best-restaurant-in-illinois-according-to-guy-fieri/ WGN TV: The Best Restaurant in Illinois, According to Guy Fieri]</ref><ref name="CBS">[https://www.cbsnews.com/chicago/news/best-burgers-in-chicago-kumas-corner/ CBS Chicago: Best Burgers In Chicago]</ref> as well as the best in the United States,<ref name="NBCCChicagoMay2013">{{cite news |title=Chicago Burger Named Best in Country |url=https://www.nbcchicago.com/news/local/chicago-burger-named-best-in-country/1978956/#:~:text=A%20new%20list%20from%20the,to%20create%20the%20Top%205.&text=%E2%80%9CThe%20final%20list%20spans%20the,Meal%20said%20in%20a%20statement. |work=NBC Chicago |date=May 24, 2013 }}</ref><ref name="NBC">[https://www.nbcchicago.com/news/local/chicago-burger-voted-among-best-in-the-u-s-report/2525729/ NBC Chicago: Chicago Burger Voted Among Best in the U.S.]</ref><ref name="TheDailyMeal">{{cite web |title=The 101 Best Burgers in America |url=https://www.thedailymeal.com/eat/101-best-burgers-america-0 |website=The Daily Meal |access-date=2022-04-01 }}</ref><ref name="Insider">[https://www.insider.com/the-50-best-burger-joints-in-america-ranked-2016-7#44-kumas-corner--chicago-il-metal-rages-waits-are-oppressive-and-the-beastly-burgers-stacked-with-everything-from-chorizo-to-pulled-pork-have-a-reputation-so-big-lady-gaga-ate-one-during-her-monster-ball-tour-time-out-chicago-7 Insider: The 50 best burger joints in America, ranked]</ref><ref name="CNBC">{{cite web|url=https://www.cnbc.com/2015/06/26/and-americas-best-burger-goes-to.html |title=And America's best burger goes to...|work=CNBC |date=June 26, 2015 |access-date=2023-03-27}}</ref> and have been recognized as among the most influential burgers of all time.<ref name="TIME">[https://time.com/3681108/most-influential-burgers/ TIME: The 17 Most Influential Burgers of All Time]</ref>


== History ==
== History ==
Kuma's Corner first opened its doors in 2005, quickly gaining popularity for its innovative [[Cheeseburger|burgers]] and unique atmosphere.<ref name="Eater">[https://chicago.eater.com/2015/8/7/9116389/kumas-corner-interview-ten-years-in Eater Chicago: Kuma's Corner Interview: Ten Years In]</ref> Since 2015, Kuma's has opened locations in [[Schaumburg, Illinois|Schaumburg]] and [[Indianapolis]],<ref name="Eater2">{{cite web |url=https://chicago.eater.com/2015/1/14/7540171/will-kumas-corner-open-in-woodfield |title=Will Kuma's Corner Open in Woodfield Mall? |work=Eater Chicago |last=Hammond |first=Priya |date=January 14, 2015 |access-date=2023-03-27}}</ref> as well as a second Chicago location in [[Fulton Market District|Fulton Market]].<ref name="Eater3">{{cite web |url=https://chicago.eater.com/2017/5/15/15641794/kumas-west-loop-fulton-market-burgers-metal-opening-date |title=Kuma's Metal Bar to Open Next Week in the West Loop |work=Eater Chicago |last=Hammond |first=Priya |date=May 15, 2017 |access-date=2023-03-27}}</ref>
Kuma's Corner first opened in 2005 in Chicago's [[Avondale,_Chicago|Avondale]] neighborhood.<ref name="Eater">{{cite web |url=https://chicago.eater.com/2015/8/7/9116389/kumas-corner-interview-ten-years-in |website=Eater Chicago |title=Kuma's Corner Interview: Ten Years In |first=Ashok |last=Selvam |date=2015-08-07 |access-date=March 27, 2023 |archive-date=March 27, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230327221554/https://chicago.eater.com/2015/8/7/9116389/kumas-corner-interview-ten-years-in |url-status=live }}</ref> Since then Kuma's has opened locations in Chicago's [[Fulton Market District|Fulton Market]], as well as in [[Schaumburg, Illinois|Schaumburg]] and [[Indianapolis]],<ref name="Eater2">{{cite web |url=https://chicago.eater.com/2015/1/14/7540171/will-kumas-corner-open-in-woodfield |title=Will Kuma's Corner Open in Woodfield Mall? |work=Eater Chicago |last=Hammond |first=Priya |date=January 14, 2015 |access-date=2023-03-27 |archive-date=March 27, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230327221554/https://chicago.eater.com/2015/1/14/7540171/will-kumas-corner-open-in-woodfield |url-status=live }}</ref> as well as a second Chicago location in [[Fulton Market District|Fulton Market]].<ref name="Eater3">{{cite web |url=https://chicago.eater.com/2017/5/15/15641794/kumas-west-loop-fulton-market-burgers-metal-opening-date |title=Kuma's Metal Bar to Open Next Week in the West Loop |work=Eater Chicago |last=Hammond |first=Priya |date=May 15, 2017 |access-date=2023-03-27 |archive-date=March 27, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230327221556/https://chicago.eater.com/2017/5/15/15641794/kumas-west-loop-fulton-market-burgers-metal-opening-date |url-status=live }}</ref>


== Influence ==
==Menu==
Kuma's serves specialty hamburgers.<ref name="Eater"/><ref name="DenverEaterApril2019">{{cite news |last=Wallace |first=Amanda M. Faison |title=Chicago's Kuma's Corner Will Bring Its Metal and Burgers to RiNo |url=https://denver.eater.com/2019/4/1/18287769/kumas-corner-opening-december-2019-rino |work=Eater Denver |date=April 1, 2019 |access-date=March 27, 2023 |archive-date=March 27, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230327221553/https://denver.eater.com/2019/4/1/18287769/kumas-corner-opening-december-2019-rino |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="ChicagoBusinessJuly2017">{{cite news |last=Kramer |first=Lisa |title=Kuma's brings its metal and burgers to the West Loop |url=https://www.chicagobusiness.com/article/20170727/ISSUE03/170729894/kuma-s-west-loop-chicago-restaurant-review |work=Crain's Chicago Business |date=July 27, 2017 |access-date=March 27, 2023 |archive-date=March 27, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230327230109/https://www.chicagobusiness.com/article/20170727/ISSUE03/170729894/kuma-s-west-loop-chicago-restaurant-review |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="ChicagoTribuneJuly2016">{{cite news |last=Keilman |first=John |title=Are fancy burger buns worth the extra dough? |url=https://www.chicagotribune.com/dining/ct-fancy-burger-buns-food-720-20160713-story.html |work=Chicago Tribune |date=July 13, 2016 |access-date=March 27, 2023 |archive-date=March 27, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230327221554/https://www.chicagotribune.com/dining/ct-fancy-burger-buns-food-720-20160713-story.html |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="ChicagoTribuneSept2009">{{cite news |last=Schmich |first=Mary |title=Heavy-metal burger heaven |url=https://www.chicagotribune.com/news/ct-xpm-2009-09-24-0909240252-story.html |work=Chicago Tribune |date=September 24, 2009 |access-date=March 27, 2023 |archive-date=March 27, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230327221552/https://www.chicagotribune.com/news/ct-xpm-2009-09-24-0909240252-story.html |url-status=live }}</ref>
⚫
The success of Kuma's Corner has had a significant impact on the [[Culinary arts|culinary]] scene in [[Cuisine of Chicago|Chicago]] and beyond.<ref name="Eater"/><ref name="TIME"/> Its inventive approach to burger-making has inspired numerous other [[restaurant]]s to follow suit, incorporating unique ingredients and creative combinations into their own offerings.<ref name="ThrillistAug2018">{{cite news |last=Leahy |first=Tim |title=The History of Chicago's Most Iconic Burger Restaurants |url=https://www.thrillist.com/eat/chicago/chicago-history-burger-restauraunts-timeline-drexels-pure-food-white-castle-kumas-corner |work=Thrillist |date=August 2, 2018 }}</ref> Kuma's Corner has also played a key role in popularizing the pretzel bun, now a staple in many burger joints across the [[American cuisine|country]].<ref name="Eater"/><ref name="DenverEaterApril2019"/><ref name="ChicagoBusinessJuly2017"/><ref name="ChicagoTribuneJuly2016"/><ref name="ChicagoTribuneSept2009"/>
Its burgers have been described as the best in Chicago,<ref name="WGN">{{cite news |url=https://wgntv.com/news/trending/the-best-restaurant-in-illinois-according-to-guy-fieri/ |website=[[WGN-TV]] |title=The Best Restaurant in Illinois, According to Guy Fieri |first1=Alix |last1=Martichoux |first2=Alicia |last2=Patton |agency=Nexstar Media Wire |date=2022-12-28 |access-date=March 27, 2023 |archive-date=March 27, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230327221554/https://wgntv.com/news/trending/the-best-restaurant-in-illinois-according-to-guy-fieri/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="CBS">{{cite news |url=https://www.cbsnews.com/chicago/news/best-burgers-in-chicago-kumas-corner/ |work=CBS Chicago |title=Best Burgers In Chicago: Kuma's Corner |first=Mason |last=Johnson |date=2012-10-17 |access-date=March 27, 2023 |archive-date=March 27, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230327221553/https://www.cbsnews.com/chicago/news/best-burgers-in-chicago-kumas-corner/ |url-status=live }}</ref> as well as the best in the United States.<ref name="NBCCChicagoMay2013">{{cite news |title=Chicago Burger Named Best in Country |url=https://www.nbcchicago.com/news/local/chicago-burger-named-best-in-country/1978956/#:~:text=A%20new%20list%20from%20the,to%20create%20the%20Top%205.&text=%E2%80%9CThe%20final%20list%20spans%20the,Meal%20said%20in%20a%20statement. |work=NBC Chicago |date=May 24, 2013 |access-date=March 27, 2023 |archive-date=March 27, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230327230921/https://www.nbcchicago.com/news/local/chicago-burger-named-best-in-country/1978956/#:~:text=A%20new%20list%20from%20the,to%20create%20the%20Top%205.&text=%E2%80%9CThe%20final%20list%20spans%20the,Meal%20said%20in%20a%20statement. |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="NBC">{{cite news |date=June 5, 2014 |url=https://www.nbcchicago.com/news/local/chicago-burger-voted-among-best-in-the-u-s-report/2525729/ |work=NBC Chicago |title=Chicago Burger Voted Among Best in the U.S. |author=<!--staff byline--> |access-date=March 27, 2023 |archive-date=March 27, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230327221553/https://www.nbcchicago.com/news/local/chicago-burger-voted-among-best-in-the-u-s-report/2525729/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="TheDailyMeal">{{cite web |first=Kate |last=Kolenda |title=The 101 Best Burgers in America |url=https://www.thedailymeal.com/eat/101-best-burgers-america-0 |website=The Daily Meal |date=4 June 2015 |access-date=2022-04-01 |archive-date=March 27, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230327231303/https://www.thedailymeal.com/eat/101-best-burgers-america-0 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="Insider">{{cite news |first=Sarah |last=Schmalbruch |url=https://www.insider.com/the-50-best-burger-joints-in-america-ranked-2016-7#44-kumas-corner--chicago-il-metal-rages-waits-are-oppressive-and-the-beastly-burgers-stacked-with-everything-from-chorizo-to-pulled-pork-have-a-reputation-so-big-lady-gaga-ate-one-during-her-monster-ball-tour-time-out-chicago-7 |website=Insider |title=The 50 best burger joints in America, ranked |access-date=March 27, 2023 |archive-date=March 12, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240312025411/https://www.businessinsider.com/the-50-best-burger-joints-in-america-ranked-2016-7#44-kumas-corner--chicago-il-metal-rages-waits-are-oppressive-and-the-beastly-burgers-stacked-with-everything-from-chorizo-to-pulled-pork-have-a-reputation-so-big-lady-gaga-ate-one-during-her-monster-ball-tour-time-out-chicago-7 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="CNBC">{{cite web |url=https://www.cnbc.com/2015/06/26/and-americas-best-burger-goes-to.html |first=Jane |last=Welch |title=And America's best burger goes to... |work=CNBC |date=June 26, 2015 |access-date=2023-03-27 |archive-date=March 27, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230327221553/https://www.cnbc.com/2015/06/26/and-americas-best-burger-goes-to.html |url-status=live }}</ref> In 2014, Kuma's Ghost Burger was named one of the most influential burgers of all time by [[Time (magazine)|TIME Magazine]].<ref name="TIME">{{cite magazine |url=https://time.com/3681108/most-influential-burgers/ |magazine=TIME |title=The 17 Most Influential Burgers of All Time |first=Sarah |last=Begley |date=January 10, 2014 |access-date=March 27, 2023 |archive-date=March 27, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230327221553/https://time.com/3681108/most-influential-burgers/ |url-status=live }}</ref> The ghost burger included a [[ghost pepper]] [[aioli]], and was topped with an unconsecrated [[Eucharist|communion]] wafer.<ref>{{cite magazine |url=https://www.spin.com/2013/10/ghost-bc-burger-communion-wine-wafer-christ-kumas/ |title=Ghost B.C. Burger Makes the Body of Christ More Delicious Than Ever |magazine=[[Spin (magazine)|Spin]] |date=4 October 2013 |first=Chris |last=Martins |access-date=24 November 2013 |archive-date=January 28, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200128220914/https://www.spin.com/2013/10/ghost-bc-burger-communion-wine-wafer-christ-kumas/ |url-status=live }}</ref>


⚫
Kuma's Corner has been credited with inspiring other [[restaurant]]s to incorporate creative ingredient combinations into their own offerings.<ref name="ThrillistAug2018">{{cite news |last=Leahy |first=Tim |title=The History of Chicago's Most Iconic Burger Restaurants |url=https://www.thrillist.com/eat/chicago/chicago-history-burger-restauraunts-timeline-drexels-pure-food-white-castle-kumas-corner |work=Thrillist |date=August 2, 2018 |access-date=March 27, 2023 |archive-date=March 27, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230327221553/https://www.thrillist.com/eat/chicago/chicago-history-burger-restauraunts-timeline-drexels-pure-food-white-castle-kumas-corner |url-status=live }}</ref> In particular, Kuma's Corner played a role in popularizing the pretzel bun, now a staple in many burger restaurants.<ref name="Eater"/><ref name="DenverEaterApril2019"/><ref name="ChicagoBusinessJuly2017"/><ref name="ChicagoTribuneJuly2016"/><ref name="ChicagoTribuneSept2009"/>
In 2014, Kuma's Ghost Burger was named one of the most influential burgers of all time by [[Time (magazine)|TIME Magazine]].<ref name="TIME"/> The burger, which includes an [[aioli]] derived from [[ghost pepper]]s—one of the hottest [[Chili pepper|chilis]] in the world<ref name="Pepperhead">{{cite web |url=https://pepperhead.com/top-10-worlds-hottest-peppers/ |title=The Top 10 World's Hottest Peppers [2022 Update] |work=PepperHead® |date=December 14, 2021 |access-date=2023-03-27}}</ref>—is topped with an unconsecrated [[Eucharist|communion]] wafer.<ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://www.spin.com/2013/10/ghost-bc-burger-communion-wine-wafer-christ-kumas/ |title=Ghost B.C. Burger Makes the Body of Christ More Delicious Than Ever |magazine=[[Spin (magazine)|Spin]] |date=4 October 2013 |access-date=24 November 2013}}</ref>


== Controversy ==
== Controversy ==
In 2013, Kuma's Corner faced criticism from Chicago’s [[Catholic]] community over their menu item, the "Ghost Burger," which was named after the [[Swedish language|Swedish]] heavy-metal band [[Ghost (Swedish band)|Ghost]] and featured a communion wafer on top. Despite Kuma's offers to donate portions of the proceeds, the [[Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Chicago|Archdiocese of Chicago]] and other Catholic organizations expressed their offense and called for a boycott of the restaurant.<ref name="TIME"/><ref name="Thrillist">{{cite web |url=https://www.thrillist.com/eat/chicago/avondale/should-you-eat-kumas-unholy-ghost-burger |title=Should You Eat Kuma's Unholy Ghost Burger? |work=Thrillist |last=Keohan |first=Dan |date=June 6, 2016 |access-date=2023-03-27}}</ref><ref name="ChicagoTribuneOct2013">{{cite news |last=Chicago Tribune |title=Kuma's Corner donates to Catholic Charities after burger controversy |date=October 4, 2013 |url=https://www.chicagotribune.com/news/breaking/chi-after-burger-controversy-kumas-donates-to-catholic-charities-20131004-story.html |newspaper=Chicago Tribune }}</ref><ref name="NBCCChicagoOct2013">{{cite news |title=Catholic Charities Turns Down Kuma's Corner Donation |url=https://www.nbcchicago.com/news/weird/catholic-charities-turns-down-kumas-corner-donation/1964481/ |work=NBC Chicago |date=October 9, 2013 }}</ref><ref name="ForbesOct2013">{{cite news |last=Breslin |first=Susannah |title=A Supposedly Sinful Burger Stirs Up Controversy |url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/susannahbreslin/2013/10/09/a-supposedly-sinful-burger-stirs-up-controversy/?sh=8ebcdda1e453 |work=Forbes |date=October 9, 2013 }}</ref>
In 2013, Kuma's Corner faced criticism from Chicago’s [[Catholic]] community over the so-called "Ghost Burger" which was named after the [[Swedish language|Swedish]] heavy-metal band [[Ghost (Swedish band)|Ghost]] and featured a communion wafer on top.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Harris |first=Jenn |date=2013-10-04 |title=Just a cracker? Chicago restaurant tops burger with unconsecrated Communion wafer |url=https://www.latimes.com/food/dailydish/la-dd-ghost-burger-communion-wafer-20131004-story.html |access-date=2023-05-14 |website=Los Angeles Times |language=en-US |archive-date=May 14, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230514094343/https://www.latimes.com/food/dailydish/la-dd-ghost-burger-communion-wafer-20131004-story.html |url-status=live }}</ref> Despite Kuma's offers to donate portions of the proceeds, the [[Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Chicago|Archdiocese of Chicago]] and other Catholic organizations expressed their offense and called for a boycott of the restaurant.<ref name="Thrillist">{{cite web |url=https://www.thrillist.com/eat/chicago/avondale/should-you-eat-kumas-unholy-ghost-burger |title=Should You Eat Kuma's Unholy Ghost Burger? |work=Thrillist |last=Keohan |first=Dan |date=June 6, 2016 |access-date=2023-03-27 |archive-date=March 27, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230327221554/https://www.thrillist.com/eat/chicago/avondale/should-you-eat-kumas-unholy-ghost-burger |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="ChicagoTribuneOct2013">{{cite news |last=Hirst |title=After burger controversy, Kuma's Corner donates to Catholic Charities after burger controversy |first=Ellen Jean |date=October 4, 2013 |url=https://www.chicagotribune.com/news/breaking/chi-after-burger-controversy-kumas-donates-to-catholic-charities-20131004-story.html |newspaper=Chicago Tribune |access-date=March 27, 2023 |archive-date=March 27, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230327221553/https://www.chicagotribune.com/news/breaking/chi-after-burger-controversy-kumas-donates-to-catholic-charities-20131004-story.html |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="NBCCChicagoOct2013">{{cite news |first=Dick |last=Johnson |title=Catholic Charities Turns Down Kuma's Corner Donation |url=https://www.nbcchicago.com/news/weird/catholic-charities-turns-down-kumas-corner-donation/1964481/ |work=NBC Chicago |date=October 9, 2013 |access-date=March 27, 2023 |archive-date=March 27, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230327221554/https://www.nbcchicago.com/news/weird/catholic-charities-turns-down-kumas-corner-donation/1964481/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="ForbesOct2013">{{cite news |last=Breslin |first=Susannah |title=A Supposedly Sinful Burger Stirs Up Controversy |url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/susannahbreslin/2013/10/09/a-supposedly-sinful-burger-stirs-up-controversy/?sh=8ebcdda1e453 |work=Forbes |date=October 9, 2013 |access-date=March 27, 2023 |archive-date=March 27, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230327221553/https://www.forbes.com/sites/susannahbreslin/2013/10/09/a-supposedly-sinful-burger-stirs-up-controversy/?sh=8ebcdda1e453 |url-status=live }}</ref>

In 2020, the company faced accusations of racist and homophobic behavior by management. These issues were acknowledged publicly by the owner, Ron Cain.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Pasbani |first=Robert |date=2020-07-17 |title=Metal Burger Joint Kuma's Corner Responds to Racism/Homophobia Allegations, Promises To Do Better |url=https://metalinjection.net/news/metal-burger-joint-kumas-corner-responds-to-racism-homophobia-allegations-promises-to-do-better |access-date=2023-05-14 |website=Metal Injection |language=en-US |archive-date=May 14, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230514094357/https://metalinjection.net/news/metal-burger-joint-kumas-corner-responds-to-racism-homophobia-allegations-promises-to-do-better |url-status=live }}</ref> The company responded publicly by announcing steps such as third party training on subjects such as diversity and interpersonal relations, and introducing measures for staff and managers to communicate about their concerns. Chef and manager of the Indianapolis branch, Luke Tobias, announced shortly afterwards he was parting ways with the restaurant.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Bloom |first=Mina |date=2020-07-15 |title=Kuma's Corner 'Rebuilding' After Accusations Of Racism, Homophobia |url=https://blockclubchicago.org/2020/07/15/kumas-corner-brings-in-new-leader-after-accusations-of-racism-homophobia/ |access-date=2023-05-14 |website=Block Club Chicago |language=en |archive-date=May 14, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230514094344/https://blockclubchicago.org/2020/07/15/kumas-corner-brings-in-new-leader-after-accusations-of-racism-homophobia/ |url-status=live }}</ref> Shortly afterwards it announced a new director of operations.<ref>{{Cite press release |location=Chicago, IL |date=2021-05-27 |title=Kuma's Corner Appoints New Director of Operations |website=RestaurantNews.com |url=https://www.restaurantnews.com/kumas-corner-appoints-new-director-of-operations-052721/ |access-date=2023-05-14 |language=en-US |archive-date=May 14, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230514094344/https://www.restaurantnews.com/kumas-corner-appoints-new-director-of-operations-052721/ |url-status=live }}</ref>


== See also ==
== See also ==
* [[List of hamburger restaurants]]
* [[List of hamburger restaurants]]
* [[Pretzel bun]]


== References ==
== References ==

Latest revision as of 03:16, 12 March 2024

Kuma's Corner
Kuma burger at Kuma's Corner
Restaurant information
Established2005
Food typeHamburger restaurant
CityChicago
StateIllinois
CountryUnited States
Websitekumascorner.com

Kuma's Corner (Kuma's) is a burger restaurant with a heavy-metal theme based in Chicago, Illinois.

History[edit]

Kuma's Corner first opened in 2005 in Chicago's Avondale neighborhood.[1] Since then Kuma's has opened locations in Chicago's Fulton Market, as well as in Schaumburg and Indianapolis,[2] as well as a second Chicago location in Fulton Market.[3]

Menu[edit]

Kuma's serves specialty hamburgers.[1][4][5][6][7] Its burgers have been described as the best in Chicago,[8][9] as well as the best in the United States.[10][11][12][13][14] In 2014, Kuma's Ghost Burger was named one of the most influential burgers of all time by TIME Magazine.[15] The ghost burger included a ghost pepper aioli, and was topped with an unconsecrated communion wafer.[16]

Kuma's Corner has been credited with inspiring other restaurants to incorporate creative ingredient combinations into their own offerings.[17] In particular, Kuma's Corner played a role in popularizing the pretzel bun, now a staple in many burger restaurants.[1][4][5][6][7]

Controversy[edit]

In 2013, Kuma's Corner faced criticism from Chicago’s Catholic community over the so-called "Ghost Burger" which was named after the Swedish heavy-metal band Ghost and featured a communion wafer on top.[18] Despite Kuma's offers to donate portions of the proceeds, the Archdiocese of Chicago and other Catholic organizations expressed their offense and called for a boycott of the restaurant.[19][20][21][22]

In 2020, the company faced accusations of racist and homophobic behavior by management. These issues were acknowledged publicly by the owner, Ron Cain.[23] The company responded publicly by announcing steps such as third party training on subjects such as diversity and interpersonal relations, and introducing measures for staff and managers to communicate about their concerns. Chef and manager of the Indianapolis branch, Luke Tobias, announced shortly afterwards he was parting ways with the restaurant.[24] Shortly afterwards it announced a new director of operations.[25]

See also[edit]

References[edit]

  1. ^ a b c Selvam, Ashok (August 7, 2015). "Kuma's Corner Interview: Ten Years In". Eater Chicago. Archived from the original on March 27, 2023. Retrieved March 27, 2023.
  2. ^ Hammond, Priya (January 14, 2015). "Will Kuma's Corner Open in Woodfield Mall?". Eater Chicago. Archived from the original on March 27, 2023. Retrieved March 27, 2023.
  3. ^ Hammond, Priya (May 15, 2017). "Kuma's Metal Bar to Open Next Week in the West Loop". Eater Chicago. Archived from the original on March 27, 2023. Retrieved March 27, 2023.
  4. ^ a b Wallace, Amanda M. Faison (April 1, 2019). "Chicago's Kuma's Corner Will Bring Its Metal and Burgers to RiNo". Eater Denver. Archived from the original on March 27, 2023. Retrieved March 27, 2023.
  5. ^ a b Kramer, Lisa (July 27, 2017). "Kuma's brings its metal and burgers to the West Loop". Crain's Chicago Business. Archived from the original on March 27, 2023. Retrieved March 27, 2023.
  6. ^ a b Keilman, John (July 13, 2016). "Are fancy burger buns worth the extra dough?". Chicago Tribune. Archived from the original on March 27, 2023. Retrieved March 27, 2023.
  7. ^ a b Schmich, Mary (September 24, 2009). "Heavy-metal burger heaven". Chicago Tribune. Archived from the original on March 27, 2023. Retrieved March 27, 2023.
  8. ^ Martichoux, Alix; Patton, Alicia (December 28, 2022). "The Best Restaurant in Illinois, According to Guy Fieri". WGN-TV. Nexstar Media Wire. Archived from the original on March 27, 2023. Retrieved March 27, 2023.
  9. ^ Johnson, Mason (October 17, 2012). "Best Burgers In Chicago: Kuma's Corner". CBS Chicago. Archived from the original on March 27, 2023. Retrieved March 27, 2023.
  10. ^ "Chicago Burger Named Best in Country". NBC Chicago. May 24, 2013. Archived from the original on March 27, 2023. Retrieved March 27, 2023.
  11. ^ "Chicago Burger Voted Among Best in the U.S." NBC Chicago. June 5, 2014. Archived from the original on March 27, 2023. Retrieved March 27, 2023.
  12. ^ Kolenda, Kate (June 4, 2015). "The 101 Best Burgers in America". The Daily Meal. Archived from the original on March 27, 2023. Retrieved April 1, 2022.
  13. ^ Schmalbruch, Sarah. "The 50 best burger joints in America, ranked". Insider. Archived from the original on March 12, 2024. Retrieved March 27, 2023.
  14. ^ Welch, Jane (June 26, 2015). "And America's best burger goes to..." CNBC. Archived from the original on March 27, 2023. Retrieved March 27, 2023.
  15. ^ Begley, Sarah (January 10, 2014). "The 17 Most Influential Burgers of All Time". TIME. Archived from the original on March 27, 2023. Retrieved March 27, 2023.
  16. ^ Martins, Chris (October 4, 2013). "Ghost B.C. Burger Makes the Body of Christ More Delicious Than Ever". Spin. Archived from the original on January 28, 2020. Retrieved November 24, 2013.
  17. ^ Leahy, Tim (August 2, 2018). "The History of Chicago's Most Iconic Burger Restaurants". Thrillist. Archived from the original on March 27, 2023. Retrieved March 27, 2023.
  18. ^ Harris, Jenn (October 4, 2013). "Just a cracker? Chicago restaurant tops burger with unconsecrated Communion wafer". Los Angeles Times. Archived from the original on May 14, 2023. Retrieved May 14, 2023.
  19. ^ Keohan, Dan (June 6, 2016). "Should You Eat Kuma's Unholy Ghost Burger?". Thrillist. Archived from the original on March 27, 2023. Retrieved March 27, 2023.
  20. ^ Hirst, Ellen Jean (October 4, 2013). "After burger controversy, Kuma's Corner donates to Catholic Charities after burger controversy". Chicago Tribune. Archived from the original on March 27, 2023. Retrieved March 27, 2023.
  21. ^ Johnson, Dick (October 9, 2013). "Catholic Charities Turns Down Kuma's Corner Donation". NBC Chicago. Archived from the original on March 27, 2023. Retrieved March 27, 2023.
  22. ^ Breslin, Susannah (October 9, 2013). "A Supposedly Sinful Burger Stirs Up Controversy". Forbes. Archived from the original on March 27, 2023. Retrieved March 27, 2023.
  23. ^ Pasbani, Robert (July 17, 2020). "Metal Burger Joint Kuma's Corner Responds to Racism/Homophobia Allegations, Promises To Do Better". Metal Injection. Archived from the original on May 14, 2023. Retrieved May 14, 2023.
  24. ^ Bloom, Mina (July 15, 2020). "Kuma's Corner 'Rebuilding' After Accusations Of Racism, Homophobia". Block Club Chicago. Archived from the original on May 14, 2023. Retrieved May 14, 2023.
  25. ^ "Kuma's Corner Appoints New Director of Operations". RestaurantNews.com (Press release). Chicago, IL. May 27, 2021. Archived from the original on May 14, 2023. Retrieved May 14, 2023.

External links[edit]

Retrieved from "https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Kuma%27s_Corner&oldid=1213286921"