Sponsored message
Logged in as
Audience-funded nonprofit news
radio tower icon laist logo
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
Subscribe
  • Listen Now Playing Listen

This is an archival story that predates current editorial management.

This archival content was written, edited, and published prior to LAist's acquisition by its current owner, Southern California Public Radio ("SCPR"). Content, such as language choice and subject matter, in archival articles therefore may not align with SCPR's current editorial standards. To learn more about those standards and why we make this distinction, please click here.

Food

Irv's Burgers Leaving Its Landmark Route 66 Location

irvs.jpg
(Photo by therealquarrygirl via the LAist Featured Photos pool on Flickr)

One year ago, Congress defunded public media. Now that we're 100% community funded, please become a sustaining member or increase your existing membership today.

Irv's Burger's, a West Hollywood staple that's been serving burgers and fries for 63 years, is forced to move because of the landlord's demand for higher rent and expensive repairs, the Los Angeles Times reports.

The burger joint, which drew the likes of Jim Morrison and Janis Joplin in its heyday, is being edged out by the neighborhood's rising prices. Paired with the leaky roof, owner Sonia Hong simply can't afford to keep the stand going in its current spot. But don't worry, while Wednesday is the burger institution's last day at the landmark Route 66 location, Hong intends on keeping Irv's in the neighborhood.

"We have to sign the papers. I'll still be in West Hollywood," she told the Times.

On Tuesday, customers lined up for their final combos at the famous location, thanking Hong and the rest of her family for their years of food and service.

"Sonia knows everybody's name. She's the nicest person," Anny Semonco, who has dined at Irv's Burgers two or three times a week for the last 25 years, told the Times. "I've kept a couple of her personalized plates."

One year ago, Congress voted to defund public media, eliminating a critical $1.7 million from our budget every year going forward. But they couldn’t silence us, and we’re not going anywhere. LAist is now 100% community funded and that means we’re taking our future into our own hands and turning to you to keep local reporting strong.

You come to LAist because you want independent reporting and trustworthy local information. Our nonprofit newsroom doesn’t answer to shareholders looking to turn a profit. Instead, we answer to you and our communities. We are free to follow facts wherever they lead and to hold power to account without fear or favor. Our only loyalty is to our readers and listeners and our mission: to inform, engage, and strengthen Southern California’s communities.

If this story helped you, please become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission. It just takes 1 minute to donate below.
Senior Vice President News, Editor in Chief

Make your tax-deductible donation today