Big Kahuna Burger

Summary

Big Kahuna Burger is a fictional chain of Hawaiian-themed fast food restaurants that has appeared in films by Quentin Tarantino and Robert Rodriguez, including Death Proof, Four Rooms, Pulp Fiction, Reservoir Dogs, and From Dusk till Dawn.[2] The packaging was created by Tarantino's old friend Jerry Martinez.[3] The restaurant features most prominently in Pulp Fiction, where Jules Winnfield eats the sandwich to intimidate the main target of a contract killing he has been ordered to carry out and remarks, "This is a tasty burger!"

Big Kahuna Burger
The Stallion Grill in Austin was converted into a Big Kahuna Burger for From Dusk till Dawn: The Series.[1]
First appearanceReservoir Dogs (1992)
Last appearanceOnce Upon a Time in Hollywood (2019)
Created byQuentin Tarantino
In-universe information
TypeRestaurant
LocationUnited States

In Pulp Fiction, the burger appears to be a typical American beef burger, with cheese, lettuce and tomato on a hamburger bun. Multiple real restaurants have featured a "Big Kahuna Burger" on their menus, including Inskip Grill located in Tarantino's hometown of Knoxville, Tennessee.[4][5][6][7][8][9]

Appearances edit

Appearance Year Notes Description
Reservoir Dogs 1992 Written and directed by Tarantino When Mr. Blonde drinks his soda, it is from a "Big Kahuna Burger" to go container.
Pulp Fiction 1994 Written and directed by Tarantino Brett eats a Big Kahuna Burger, when Jules and Vincent show up to his apartment. Jules refers to the restaurant by name.
Four Rooms 1995 Co-written and directed by Tarantino and Rodriguez In the segment "The Man From Hollywood", after Ted comes back to listen to the proposal, there is a Big Kahuna Burger drink cup on the bar next to Angela.[citation needed]
From Dusk till Dawn 1996 Written by Tarantino, directed by Rodriguez Seth Gecko gets takeout from Big Kahuna Burger.
Romy and Michele's High School Reunion 1997 Starring Mira Sorvino A Big Kahuna Burger takeout bag is seen in Romy and Michele's apartment.[10]
The Adventures of Sharkboy and Lavagirl 2005 Written and directed by Rodriguez A Big Kahuna Burger takeout bag appears on the dock during the dream in which Max meets Sharkboy.[citation needed]
Death Proof 2007 Written and directed by Tarantino Stuntman Mike asks Jungle Julia about a billboard "near Big Kahuna Burger".[citation needed]
From Dusk till Dawn: The Series 2014 Developed by Rodriguez In the first season, a scene takes place inside a Big Kahuna Burger.[1]
Once Upon a Time in Hollywood 2019 Written and directed by Tarantino A Big Kahuna Burger billboard is seen on a passing bus.[11]

See also edit

References edit

  1. ^ a b Richard Whittaker (25 March 2014). "'From Dusk Till Dawn' Bites into a Big Kahuna". The Austin Chronicle.
  2. ^ Marina Grishakova; Markku Lehtimäki (2004). Intertextuality and Intersemiosis. p. 135. ISBN 978-9985-56-911-5. 13–15 February 2003
  3. ^ Entertainment News Service (12 July 1996). "Product Placement Takes a Little Twist". Greensboro News and Record. Archived from the original on 16 August 2020.
  4. ^ Maui Grille Archived 5 January 2009 at the Wayback Machine, in Surprise, Arizona with a "Big Kahuna Burger"
  5. ^ "The Big Kahuna Burger" Archived 4 January 2010 at the Wayback Machine at Pancho and Leftys, Hare (near Taylor, Texas)
  6. ^ "World Famous Big Kahuna's" Archived 12 August 2012 at the Wayback Machine in Pacific Beach, San Diego, CA. A "Big Kahuna Burger" described as "The Best burger in Town!, featured in the film "Pulp Fiction"
  7. ^ "Brass Monkey Tiki Bar, Copenhagen, Denmark: kahuna burger"
  8. ^ "the big Kahuna burger". Atomic Burger menu. Britain. Archived from the original on 18 September 2012. Retrieved 2 June 2013. swiss cheese, pineapple & teriyaki sauce
  9. ^ "Big Kahuna's, Imperial Beach, CA - Our Menu". Big Kahuna's, Imperial Beach. Retrieved 27 October 2017.
  10. ^ "Quentin Tarantino's Influence on 'Romy and Michele's High School Reunion'". Entertainment Weekly. 2 May 1997.[1]
  11. ^ Hunt, James (16 August 2019). "Once Upon a Time in Hollywood: Every Easter Egg, Tarantino Reference & Cameo". Screen Rant. Archived from the original on 16 August 2019. Retrieved 11 March 2022.