EURweb |
WE REMEMBER FATBURGER FOUNDER LOVIE YANCEY: Entrepreneur began L.A.-based fast food chain in 1947.
*Lovie Yancey, the founder of the popular Los Angeles-based Fatburger restaurant chain has died, according to a statement from Fatburger's parent company, Fog Cutter Capital Group Inc. She was 96.
Yancey, who had pneumonia, died Jan. 26 at Olympia Medical Center in Los Angeles, her daughter, Gwen Adair, told the LA Times.
"Lovie Yancey's vision for a restaurant where families can enjoy delicious food while listening to great music has created lasting memories for many generations," Fog Cutter chief executive Andy Wiederhorn said in the statement. "Fatburger's success is a testament to her strong will and work ethic."
Yancey's Fatburger empire started in 1947 with a hamburger stand in LA on Western Ave. It has since grown to include more than 90 locations across the country and overseas.
Her location in Beverly Hills on La Cienega Blvd., which opened in 1973, drew many celebrities, some of whom went on to invest in the franchise. Earvin "Magic" Johnson spent several years as an investor, then sold his majority stake in 2003 for $6 million to Fog Cutter.
Queen Latifah helped invest in a Fatburger in Miami, and musician Pharrell Williams has partnered with the chain to open Fatburger's first 10 locations in China.
Over the years, Fatburger has been immortalized in a string of songs, movies and TV shows, including the sitcom "Sanford and Son," the film "The Fast and the Furious" and the Ice Cube single "It Was a Good Day."
Fatburger even once made David Letterman's Top 10 list for things he'd miss most about leaving Los Angeles.
Share and Bookmark |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
.jpg)
