The chef controlled by players in Data East’s 1982 arcade game BurgerTime is Peter Pepper.
Data East released BurgerTime in arcades in 1982, with the game originally known in Japan as Hamburger. Players control Peter Pepper as he walks across platforms and ladders, stepping on layers of burger ingredients to make them fall into place. The goal is to complete hamburgers while avoiding enemies such as Mr. Pickle, Mr. Egg, and Mr. Hot Dog.
BurgerTime’s design turns food preparation into a maze-like platform challenge. Each step on an ingredient moves it downward, so players must plan routes and use dropped layers to crush pursuing enemies. Pepper shots, available in limited supply, can temporarily stun enemies and create escape opportunities.
The game is sometimes confused with later food-themed arcade titles, but Peter Pepper belongs specifically to BurgerTime. Data East released several related versions and sequels, while the original arcade game remains the best-known appearance of the character. The title’s capitalized spelling is commonly written as BurgerTime, without a space.