Fatburger, the popular California burger chain beloved for its thick classic American burgers, has opened its first Ontario location in downtown Toronto at Bathurst and Bloor. While thin smash-style burgers have been all the rage recently, there’s something to be said for a juicy, flavourful burger with a thick patty.
Fatburger was founded in 1947 by American entrepreneur Lovey Yancey. After working as a cook in a restaurant, she decided to start her own business and used her savings to purchase a three-foot grill and a small building on Western Avenue in Los Angeles. She started selling hamburgers and other fast food items and soon gained a loyal following of customers who appreciated her tasty burgers and friendly service. Yancey passed away in 2008 at the age of 90 and her legacy lives on through Fatburger, which now has more than 200 locations in 20 countries.
Fatburger has become so beloved its been referenced in pop culture in various ways, including mentions by The Notorious B.I.G. in “Going Back to Cali” and his first single “Juicy.” Ice Cube goes to Fatburger and gets a milkshake in “It Was a Good Day.” Snoop Dogg raps about Fatburger after a night of partying in “The Next Episode” by Dr. Dre ft. Snoop Dogg, and “Fatburger” by Biz Markie is about how much he loves the chain and all the different types of burgers they offer.
Fatburger has made appearances in movies like Beverly Hills Cop II, where Eddie Murphy’s character visits the Fatburger restaurant, and The Fast and the Furious: Tokyo Drift, where the main character Sean Boswell works at a Fatburger. In the TV show Entourage, Fatburger is Turtle’s favourite restaurant.
The original Fatburger is a 1/3 pound beef patty. They are also known for their milkshakes, crispy southern fried chicken sandwiches and tasty mini-donuts. Halal and plant-based options are also available.
Fatburger in downtown Toronto is open daily from 10am-9pm. 565 Bloor St. West, Toronto.