Tommy’s Original World Famous Burgers

Tommy’s Original World Famous Burgers is a long-running Southern California burger concept centered on chili-topped burgers, fries, and classic comfort food served in a simple, order-at-the-window format. The brand is closely tied to Los Angeles and operates as a regional player rather than a national chain, with locations that are easy to recognize by their red-and-white exteriors, prominent roadside signage, and layouts that prioritize drive-thru and takeout over dine-in space. For landlords, brokers, and developers, Tommy’s functions as a steady, traffic-driving food use that fits naturally into auto-oriented neighborhood centers and commuter corridors.

The story begins in 1946, when founder Tom Koulax opened the original Tommy’s stand near Beverly Boulevard and Rampart Boulevard in Los Angeles. That first site remains in operation as the flagship, anchoring the brand’s identity around its signature chili and reputation for serving customers late into the night. Over the decades, Tommy’s added locations across the Los Angeles basin at a measured pace, choosing gradual growth over rapid rollouts to preserve consistency and a distinctly local feel.

As of December 2025, Tommy’s operates a modest network of locations concentrated in Greater Los Angeles and select markets in California and Nevada, though precise store count and detailed corporate metrics are not publicly disclosed. Most units sit on compact freestanding pads or end caps with strong car access, direct street visibility, and a heavy emphasis on drive-thru volume, which helps support high transaction counts on relatively small sites. The menu remains streamlined around burgers, hot dogs, breakfast items, and sides built on its proprietary chili, which keeps operations straightforward and supports quick service in busy trade areas.

Over roughly the last five years, the brand has continued to behave like a mature regional operator, focusing on selective infill and corridor-based expansion within its existing Southern California footprint and nearby markets. New openings tend to follow proven trade areas and key commuter routes rather than large multi-state campaigns or a broad franchising push. This posture has allowed Tommy’s to extend its reach while maintaining a familiar operating model that works well in neighborhood retail, urban infill, and freeway-adjacent environments where strong traffic counts matter more than large dining rooms.

Tommy’s remains privately held and does not actively promote formal franchising or development programs to the public, so much of what can be understood about its real estate strategy comes from observing its existing stores. Even without detailed public data on unit counts, sales volumes, or pipeline, its long operating history, entrenched customer base, and recognizable roadside presence position it as a credible occupant and dependable rent payer. For owners and developers working with small pad sites, legacy drive-ins, or older quick-service buildings, Tommy’s is a familiar, proven user that tends to stay in place when a site performs well.