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1) THREAD : Pumper Nic, the cult Buenos Aires fast food chain, fondly remembered by Argentinian children of the 70s, 80s and 90s #pumpernic
2) It was named after the German rye bread pumpernickel and founded in 1974 by Alfredo Lowenstein, years before either McDonald’s or Burger King began operating in Argentina (1986 and ‘89 respectively). Brother Ernesto invented the ubiquitous ‘Paty’ hamburger brand.
3) The company became the first franchise in Argentina, at their peak they had 70 restaurants and an annual revenue of 60 million dollars.
3) The streamlined Pumper Nic lettering was designed by revered Argentinian graphic designer And artist Edgardo Giménez who also directed some of their TV commercials.
4) Their branding also included a green hippo called Nic (some remember him as Hugo).
5) The original Pumper Nic logo was a rip off of Burger King’s, which they were forced to change and shorten their name to Pumper following a lawsuit by the latter when they began trading in Argentina.
6) The Pumper logo.
7) Pumper Nic's signature sandwich was the Mobur, a ham and cheese sandwich with a fried egg. One of their famous menu items was Dos por uno − two burgers for the price of one. French fries were called Frenys.
8) Names of other Pumper Nic sandwiches included Jaque (jamon y queso, ham and cheese) and Jaque'H as well as burgers such as the Supernic (with egg, lettuce and tomato) or the Doble Nic, a double burger with onion and the Chicknic sandwich with breaded chicken.
9) The rapid growth of the chain + problems with quality control of their franchise, and fierce competition from McDonald’s and Burger King was too much. The company collapsed in 1996 leaving only two restaurants open (an old photo of the Primera Junta branch in Caballito).
10) The final Pumper located in Costanera and Salguero operated until 1999, when the company finally folded for good.
11) Much loved Argentinian band Soda Stereo even chose to present their debut album at the Suipacha branch of Pumper Nic in October ‘84.
12) Mention Pumper Nic to any porteño and they’ll get a bit dewy eyed and nostalgic. Memories of its golden era among Argentinians remains alive and well (END OF THREAD).
