Local Business
Original Tommy’s: How a Chili Burger Became a Southern California Icon
Original Tommy’s, established in 1946 in Los Angeles, is famous for its thick chili burgers and late-night appeal. It remains family-owned, embodying authentic Los Angeles culture and serving as a cultural landmark despite the fast-food industry’s evolution.
In a city famous for reinvention, reinvention was never the point at Original Tommy’s. Since 1946, the no-frills hamburger stand at Beverly and Rampart has served generations of Angelenos the same way: chili dripping, paper wrapped, eaten standing up, usually late at night. Original Tommy’s isn’t just a restaurant — it’s a piece of Los Angeles history.
From a Small Stand to a City Landmark
Original Tommy’s was founded on May 15, 1946, by Thomas James “Tommy” Koulax, the son of Greek immigrants. What began as a modest walk-up stand selling hamburgers and hot dogs quickly gained attention for one reason: chili. Not the thin, soupy kind — but a thick, meaty chili ladled generously over burgers, fries, hot dogs, and eventually tamales.
The location mattered. Sitting just west of downtown Los Angeles, the stand became a crossroads for working-class Angelenos, night-shift workers, musicians, cops, cab drivers, and anyone else looking for something filling at all hours. Long before the phrase “LA street food” existed, Tommy’s was already living it.
The Chili Burger Becomes an LA Staple
By the 1950s and 1960s, Original Tommy’s chili burger had become legendary. The menu stayed intentionally simple: burgers, hot dogs, fries, tamales, and breakfast items — all enhanced by the same signature chili. The stand-up counters, fast service, and absence of indoor seating created a rhythm that felt uniquely Los Angeles.
This wasn’t fast food chasing national trends. It was local food defining a city.
Growth Without Franchising
Unlike many post-war burger chains, Original Tommy’s expanded cautiously. Beginning in the 1970s, additional locations opened throughout Southern California and later into Nevada. At its height, the chain operated more than 30 restaurants.
What made Tommy’s different was its refusal to franchise widely. Remaining family-owned helped preserve consistency — the chili tasted the same, the portions stayed generous, and the experience remained unmistakably “Tommy’s.”
A Cultural Shortcut for “Real Los Angeles”
Original Tommy’s became more than a place to eat — it became a visual and cultural shorthand for authenticity. Filmmakers and TV producers regularly used the location to signal a grounded, working-class Los Angeles. If a character eats at Tommy’s, you immediately know who they are.
- Films: Heat, L.A. Confidential, They Live
- Television: Bosch, Californication, numerous food and travel shows
Musicians, athletes, and actors have long cited Tommy’s as a post-show, post-game, or late-night ritual — a place that didn’t care who you were, only whether you were hungry.
Why Original Tommy’s Still Matters
Nearly 80 years later, Original Tommy’s endures because it never tried to be trendy. It represents a post-war immigrant success story, a city built on late nights, and a version of fast food rooted in place rather than branding.
In a region overflowing with burger options, Original Tommy’s remains singular — messy, unapologetic, and inseparable from Los Angeles itself.
Original Tommy’s: Then & Now
Original Location (1946–Present):
2575 Beverly Blvd, Los Angeles, CA — the iconic stand-up counter location that started it all.
Expansion Era:
1970s–1990s locations spread across Los Angeles County, Orange County, the Inland Empire, and Nevada.
Today:
A smaller but focused footprint, still family-owned and operated from headquarters in Monrovia, California.
Also Good to Know
- Original Tommy’s Official History
The chain’s own account of its founding and legacy. - Los Angeles Magazine: Original Tommy’s
A deeper look at Tommy’s role in LA food culture. - Tasting Table: Chili Burger History
Context on how chili burgers became a regional staple. - Time Out LA: Original Tommy’s
Why the stand remains a must-visit for locals and tourists.
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Visit our Food & Drink section to get the latest on Foodie News and recipes, offering a delightful blend of culinary inspiration and gastronomic trends to elevate your dining experience. https://stmdailynews.com/food-and-drink/
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Food and Beverage
Chicken Salad Chick Heads to Las Vegas with Six-Unit Nevada Deal, Signaling Southwest Expansion
Chicken Salad Chick is officially heading to Nevada.
The fast-casual concept announced a six-unit franchise development agreement that will bring the brand’s first-ever Nevada locations to the Las Vegas metropolitan area. The move marks a new milestone in Chicken Salad Chick’s push beyond the Southeast—and a clear signal that the brand is serious about building momentum in the Southwest.
Who’s bringing Chicken Salad Chick to Las Vegas
The development is being led by Mark and Cayla Rubalcaba, a husband-and-wife team and longtime Las Vegas residents whose professional backgrounds span hospitality, marketing, and education.
Mark Rubalcaba brings leadership experience in hospitality and gaming, including roles with MGM Resorts International and BetMGM. Cayla Rubalcaba completed hospitality training through MGM Resorts’ Management Associate Program and also spent five years as a biological science teacher at Faith Lutheran Middle School & High School.
They’re joined in the venture by Cayla’s father, Anton Nikodemus, a seasoned hospitality executive who will serve as a strategic partner supporting the group’s long-term development efforts.
A personal connection to the brand
The Rubalcabas say their connection to Chicken Salad Chick began at Auburn University, where they first experienced the brand and developed a lasting appreciation for its hospitality and culture of service.
“Our long-term goal is to help Chicken Salad Chick thrive in Las Vegas while contributing to the brand’s continued growth nationwide,” Mark Rubalcaba said, adding that the group is focused on building a business that reflects the brand’s values—bringing people together, fostering community, and becoming a lasting staple in the Las Vegas Valley.
“We fell in love with Chicken Salad Chick during our time at Auburn, and it’s always felt like more than just a restaurant,” Cayla Rubalcaba said. “Having the opportunity to bring a brand that means so much to us to our hometown is incredibly meaningful.”
Why Nevada matters in Chicken Salad Chick’s growth strategy
Chicken Salad Chick framed the Nevada agreement as part of a broader expansion strategy aimed at high-growth Western markets.
The company notes that Nevada was one of five new states opened for development in 2025, alongside Arizona, New Jersey, New York, and Utah. Notably, Arizona, Nevada, and Utah are all in the Southwest—underscoring a focused push into the region.
“The Southwest represents one of the most exciting growth regions for our brand,” said Mark Verges, Vice President of Franchise Development at Chicken Salad Chick, calling the Nevada entry a key milestone in the brand’s westward development strategy.
A fast-growing franchise system
Chicken Salad Chick says it continues to build momentum nationally. In what it described as a record-breaking 2025, the brand reported awarding nearly 100 new restaurant deals and celebrating 42 openings across 13 states, with dozens of additional locations in development.
The company also pointed to multiple industry recognitions, including being named one of QSR Magazine’s Best Franchise Deals for four years and ranking No. 3 in Fast Casual’s Top 100 Movers & Shakers.
What Chicken Salad Chick serves
For anyone unfamiliar with the concept, Chicken Salad Chick serves Southern-style chicken salad made from scratch, with more than a dozen flavor options, plus fresh sides, gourmet soups, signature sandwiches, and desserts.
Learn more
For franchising information, visit chickensaladchick.com/franchising.
Source: PRNewswire
At our core, we at STM Daily News, strive to keep you informed and inspired with the freshest content on all things food and beverage. From mouthwatering recipes to intriguing articles, we’re here to satisfy your appetite for culinary knowledge.
Visit our Food & Drink section to get the latest on Foodie News and recipes, offering a delightful blend of culinary inspiration and gastronomic trends to elevate your dining experience. https://stmdailynews.com/food-and-drink/
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Tucson just got a taste of a New York classic.
Nathan’s Famous announced the opening of a new restaurant at 628 North 4th Avenue in Tucson, bringing its world-famous hot dogs, crinkle-cut fries, and a full fast-casual menu to one of the city’s most walkable, student-heavy corridors. The spot sits steps from the University of Arizona and close to the free 4th Street streetcar stop, making it an easy grab for students, locals, and visitors moving through the historic 4th Avenue district.
What’s on the menu
The Tucson restaurant is built around the staples Nathan’s is known for—fast, familiar, and designed for groups with different cravings.
Expect the brand’s headline items, including:
- World-famous all-beef hot dogs
- Crinkle-cut fries
- Fresh Angus burgers
- Hand-breaded chicken sandwiches and chicken tenders
- Chicken wings
- NY Cheesesteaks
- Premium hand-spun shakes
In other words: it’s not just a hot dog counter. It’s the full Nathan’s fast-casual lineup, positioned to serve families, students, and anyone looking for a quick meal before a game, a night out, or a streetcar ride across town.
Why Tucson—and why 4th Avenue?
Nathan’s Famous framed the opening as a natural fit for Tucson’s energy and foot traffic.
“We’re proud to bring Nathan’s Famous to Arizona,” said Phil McCann, Vice President of Marketing at Nathan’s Famous, noting the brand’s excitement to partner with a local franchisee and bring the “Flavor of New York” to the state.
That franchisee is Michael Kramkowski, who the company says has been active in the community for more than 20 years and owns multiple properties in the area. In the announcement, Kramkowski emphasized that his goal was to bring an iconic national brand to Tucson while still complementing the independent spirit of 4th Avenue.
“I wanted to bring a brand to Tucson that has a strong, authentic heritage,” Kramkowski said. “Nathan’s Famous is an American icon, and this location is the perfect fit—close to the University, accessible by streetcar and right in the middle of Tucson’s most dynamic neighborhoods.”
The bigger picture: a century-old brand still expanding
Nathan’s Famous has been serving New York favorites for more than 100 years, and the company continues to grow its footprint through restaurants, licensing, and foodservice distribution.
For Tucson, the appeal is straightforward: a recognizable, heritage brand landing in a high-traffic neighborhood with built-in demand—students, families, and visitors exploring the entertainment district.
For more information on Nathan’s Famous locations and menus, visit https://restaurants.nathansfamous.com/.
At our core, we at STM Daily News, strive to keep you informed and inspired with the freshest content on all things food and beverage. From mouthwatering recipes to intriguing articles, we’re here to satisfy your appetite for culinary knowledge.
Visit our Food & Drink section to get the latest on Foodie News and recipes, offering a delightful blend of culinary inspiration and gastronomic trends to elevate your dining experience. https://stmdailynews.com/food-and-drink/
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Food and Beverage
Long John Silver’s Commits to $6 Baskets Through 2026—Starting With Sweet Chili Shrimp for Lent
With dine-out prices climbing, Long John Silver’s is leaning hard into a message customers actually feel at the counter: value you can count on.
The seafood quick-service chain announced it’s committing to rotating $6 basket meals throughout 2026, kicking things off this Lent with the return of its $6 Shrimp Basket—now with a new Sweet Chili flavor option.
The headline offer: $6 Shrimp Baskets (with a Sweet Chili upgrade)
For a limited time at participating locations nationwide, guests can grab a $6 Shrimp Basket in a few different styles—then take it up a notch with Sweet Chili sauce, described as a blend of red chiles and garlic that adds a sweet-heat kick.
Long John Silver’s says the baskets are designed to satisfy whether you’re a classic fried-shrimp person or you prefer something grilled.
Here are the three basket options highlighted in the announcement:
- Six-Piece Batter-Dipped Shrimp: Hand-battered shrimp served with your choice of one side and two hushpuppies.
- Six-Piece Grilled Shrimp: Seasoned and grilled shrimp served on a bed of savory rice with one side.
- Crispy Breaded Popcorn Shrimp: Popcorn shrimp served with your choice of one side and two hushpuppies.
“Holding the line” on price
Long John Silver’s framed the move as a deliberate decision to protect affordability even as costs rise.
“Even as someone who’s still fairly new to the brand, I’ve been amazed at how committed our team is to holding the $6 price point,” said Laura Ellis, chief marketing officer at Long John Silver’s. “It’s not easy in today’s environment, but we know how important value is to our guests.”
That quote is doing a lot of work—and it’s the point of the whole campaign: this isn’t a one-off deal. It’s a year-long value strategy.
Limited-time add-ons: Mac and Cheese with Crumblies
Alongside the shrimp baskets, the chain is also promoting a comfort-food add-on: Mac and Cheese with Crumblies®.
The description: cavatappi noodles in a rich, creamy white cheese sauce, finished with the brand’s signature Crumblies for crunch.
Dessert play: OREO Cookies & Cream Cheesecake
And if you’re the “save room for dessert” type, Long John Silver’s is also spotlighting a premium dessert option: OREO® Cookies & Cream Cheesecake from The Cheesecake Factory Bakery®.
It’s described as a rich, creamy cheesecake blended with OREO cookie crumbles and topped with OREO cookie mousse.
How to order (and how to get perks)
Customers can order in-store or order ahead online at ljsilvers.com, or use the Long John Silver’s mobile app(available on iOS and Google Play). The brand also encourages guests to join its Seacret Society rewards program for exclusive offers and updates.
The bigger takeaway
In a fast-food landscape where “value” often means smaller portions or tighter restrictions, Long John Silver’s is trying a different angle: a simple, repeatable price point with rotating options.
The $6 basket commitment is a clean promise—and starting with shrimp for Lent is a smart way to meet customers right when seafood cravings spike.
At our core, we at STM Daily News, strive to keep you informed and inspired with the freshest content on all things food and beverage. From mouthwatering recipes to intriguing articles, we’re here to satisfy your appetite for culinary knowledge.
Visit our Food & Drink section to get the latest on Foodie News and recipes, offering a delightful blend of culinary inspiration and gastronomic trends to elevate your dining experience. https://stmdailynews.com/food-and-drink/
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