How this family-owned burger chain became a Gates family tradition, from being on Bill Gates' speed dial to being Bill Sr.'s meeting hub. The Microsoft co-founder was so struck with burgers that he would even order expensive wine and a burger at fancy restaurants

Bill Gates is known for Microsoft, his wealth, his love for Coke, and then come the burgers. The apple doesn’t fall far from the tree, and in Bill Gates’ case, this is especially true. Following his parents’ deep-rooted love for burgers, Gates was naturally drawn to Burgermaster, a family-owned chain of drive-in restaurants established in 1952 by Phil Jensen, renowned for serving high-quality burgers at non-gourmet prices.

The Gates family, particularly his father, was fond of the Laurelhurst location and frequented it so often that the corner booth at Burgermaster became his dad’s unofficial office during the early days of the Gates Foundation.

He visited every day for breakfast, and on several occasions, Bill, along with his older sister Kristianne and younger sister Libby (a clinical psychologist who serves on the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation’s board of trustees), joined their parents for meals there. Such was his father’s regularity that William H. Gates II, known to many as Bill Sr., would even review mail at the restaurant and host meetings there, making it a hub of informal yet productive gatherings.

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Interestingly, from 1981 to 1986, Microsoft’s headquarters were based at the Northup Building in Bellevue, directly opposite a Burgermaster. Naturally, Bill Gates’ secretary kept the restaurant’s number on speed dial to order his favorite meal: a hamburger, fries, and a chocolate shake. Even after Microsoft moved, when early office manager Miriam Lubow dined with Gates and others at one of Bellevue’s upscale restaurants, Gates still opted for his usual, an expensive wine for the table, but a simple hamburger for himself.

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It’s no wonder Burgermaster became a company-wide speed dial essential, allowing Microsoft employees to call in orders, walk next door, and enjoy a quick, satisfying meal.
Though the Laurelhurst location closed last year for redevelopment, it remains etched in history, carrying over 73 years of unmatched service and fascinating stories. The original University District location, which had been serving the community since 1952, also closed, but Burgermaster continues to operate in five locations across the Seattle area.

At 69, Gates likely finds nostalgia in the memories of those family days. But when burger cravings strike, there’s always Dick’s Drive-In as a backup, a spot where the centibillionaire, worth $108 billion, has even been spotted waiting in line for his order.