in tough times, restaurants try mini burgers to get a nibble (link)
04.12.09 - usa today - by bruce horovitz

mmm mmm mmm.  tiny burgers.  white castle built an empire on them.  joints such as the now-defunct burger joint (which specialized in tiny burgers) & other like-minded eateries have sprung up in nyc & other locales around the country.  hordes of hip restaurants & bars have added sliders (mini burgers) to their menus, adding a snacking option that's both cute & meaty, making it accessible to both the gals & the guys.  chicks dig cute & guys dig meaty, if you know what i mean.  trust me.

according to the article in usa today (america's favorite hotel newspaper!), the current fascination with mini burgers is a side product of the current economic downturn (tiny = inexpensive), but as the fast-food chains embrace the craze, "(t)hey're putting the best face on it by positioning minis as fun food."  it's true.  burger king has commercials for their minis where slightly uncool dudes, just by possessing bk burger shots, are flocked by hot chicks cooing because their burgers are soooooo cute & tiny & adorable!  yes, burger king has basically replaced babies with tiny burgers.  soylent green is people.

the article goes on to break down the various fast-food minis.  there are the aforementioned burger shots, which, according to the bk marketing chief "scream 'shareability.'"  jack in the box has mini burgers & is testing chicken versions.  mcdonalds has their previously covered mac snack wrap, now available beyond canada.  johnny rockets' mini versions sound the best...mini burgers, hot dogs & chili dogs, available with free chipotle sauce.  mmm.  mmm.  mmm.  free chipotle sauce.