Foodie News
Discover the Legacy of Fatburger: From Lovie Yancey’s Original Recipe to Global Success
The Burger Franchise That Has Stood the Test of Time. Fatburger
Last Updated on June 29, 2024 by Daily News Staff

Image: Minnaert
Fatburger: The Burger Franchise That Has Stood the Test of Time
Fatburger stands as one of the most beloved hamburger franchises globally, celebrated for its juicy, mouth-watering burgers that have garnered a devoted customer base for over 70 years. The company was established in 1952 by Lovie Yancey, a visionary black woman from Los Angeles passionate about cooking and serving delicious food to her community.
Lovie’s original restaurant was located on Western Avenue in Los Angeles, California. It quickly became a local favorite owing to her unique burger recipe made from freshly ground beef, cooked-to-order, and served on a toasted bun with all the fixings. Her burgers were exceptional, and the word spread swiftly through word of mouth. This led to the opening of more Fatburger locations throughout the city.
The company’s success has continued to escalate over the years, making Fatburger a household name and leading to the expansion of its franchise across the country and eventually the world. Today, Fatburger boasts over 200 locations in 25 countries, while its headquarters remain situated in Beverly Hills, California.
One of the factors that set Fatburger apart from other burger chains is its commitment to quality ingredients and meticulous cooking methods. Each burger is made from 100% USDA-approved beef, grilled to perfection over an open flame, and served on a toasted bun with fresh lettuce, tomatoes, onions, pickles, and condiments of choice.
Another distinguishing feature of Fatburger is its “Build Your Own” burger option, allowing customers to personalize their burger with a wide array of toppings, from crispy bacon and melted cheese to creamy avocado and fried eggs. This customization option has made Fatburger a renowned spot for burger enthusiasts keen on creating their perfect burger.
In addition to its famous burgers, Fatburger’s menu includes an array of other delicious items such as chicken sandwiches, savory hot dogs, and creamy milkshakes. Over the years, the company has adapted to changing tastes and dietary preferences, offering vegetarian and vegan options for those opting for plant-based diets.
Despite the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, Fatburger has continued to thrive. Its focus on takeout and delivery options has significantly contributed to maintaining strong sales during these times. In 2020, the company even announced plans to go public through a merger with a special purpose acquisition company, underscoring its ongoing growth and success within the competitive fast-food industry.
Fatburger’s enduring success is not solely attributed to its menu but also to its community-centric approach and dedication to quality, which have remained core principles since Lovie Yancey first opened the doors. With a persistent focus on evolving with customer preferences and maintaining high standards, Fatburger continues to hold a cherished spot in the hearts of burger lovers worldwide.

Fatburger is a beloved burger franchise with a rich history, founded by a passionate cook who wanted to share her love of good food with her community. Today, Fatburger continues to uphold its commitment to quality ingredients and customer satisfaction, making it a go-to spot for burger lovers around the world. Known for its fresh, never frozen beef patties, hand-scooped milkshakes, and an array of customizable toppings, Fatburger offers an exceptional dining experience that keeps customers coming back. With plans for continued expansion and innovation, such as introducing plant-based options and upgrading its digital ordering system, Fatburger is poised to remain a favorite fast-food chain for many years to come.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fatburger
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Food and Beverage
BJ’s Restaurant & Brewhouse Turns April Fool’s Day Into a Real Menu Moment With Sweet Heat Pepperoni Pizookie
Last Updated on March 31, 2026 by Daily News Staff
BJ’s Restaurant & Brewhouse is leaning into April Fool’s Day with a menu item that sounds made up but is very real. The casual dining chain has introduced the Sweet Heat Pepperoni Pizookie, a one-day-only dessert available April 1 for $4.01.
BJ’s Unveils Sweet Heat Pepperoni Pizookie in One-Day-Only April Fool’s Day Offer
The limited-time item remixes two of BJ’s best-known menu identities: its deep-dish pizza flavors and its signature Pizookie dessert. The Sweet Heat Pepperoni Pizookie starts with a warm Chocolate Chunk Pizookie base and is topped with Rich Vanilla Bean ice cream, crispy cup-and-char pepperoni, and a drizzle of Mike’s Hot Honey.
According to the company, the idea builds on previous playful Pizookie launches, including the Pizickle Pizookie in 2024 and the Fryckle Pizookie in 2025. This year’s version pushes the concept further by combining sweet, savory, and spicy flavors into a single dessert designed to surprise guests.
“We’ve always believed that great ideas can come from unexpected places,” said Heidi Rogers, chief marketing officer at BJ’s Restaurants, Inc., in the announcement. She described the Sweet Heat Pepperoni Pizookie as a creative and intentional twist that made April Fool’s Day the right moment for the launch.
The dessert will be available for dine-in only on April 1. BJ’s says the item includes two scoops of vanilla bean ice cream and is finished with the same hot honey flavor profile that has appeared in its seasonal pizza offerings.
The promotion gives BJ’s a timely way to turn novelty into foot traffic, especially around a date when brands often compete for attention with joke announcements. In this case, BJ’s is using the holiday to offer something guests can actually order.
BJ’s Restaurants, Inc., founded in 1978, operates more than 200 restaurants across 31 states. The brand is known for its deep-dish pizzas, broad casual dining menu, and its long-running Pizookie dessert line.
Guests looking to try the Sweet Heat Pepperoni Pizookie will need to act quickly. The item is only available on April 1, making it one of the brand’s shortest limited-time offers of the year.
For more information, visit bjsrestaurants.com.
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Food and Beverage
JonnyPops Launches Refreshing New “No Sugar Added with Electrolytes” Mini Frozen Pops
JonnyPops is launching No Sugar Added with Electrolytes mini frozen pops—an organic, dye-free treat with hydration support—coming April 2026.
Last Updated on March 31, 2026 by Daily News Staff
JonnyPops Launches Refreshing New “No Sugar Added with Electrolytes” Mini Frozen Pops.
JonnyPops Launches Refreshing New “No Sugar Added with Electrolytes” Mini Frozen Pops
A better-for-you frozen treat meets hydration support in a grab-and-go mini format.
If you’ve ever reached for something cold after a workout, a long day outside, or when you’re just not feeling 100%, you’re not alone — and JonnyPops says its fans have been telling that story for a while.
The Minnesota-based frozen treat brand announced it’s expanding its No Sugar Added Minis lineup with a new option designed to be both refreshing and functional: JonnyPops “No Sugar Added with Electrolytes” mini frozen pops.
Fans asked for hydration-friendly pops — JonnyPops listened
According to the company, the new product was inspired by emails and social media comments from customers who were already using JonnyPops as a simple way to cool down and feel a little more hydrated.
JonnyPops says consumers shared stories about playing sports in the heat, spending time outdoors, or recovering from an illness — and how a frozen treat with hydration support would be the perfect pop for those moments.
That feedback led the brand to add electrolytes to its popular No Sugar Added Minis.
What’s inside the new minis
JonnyPops says the new “No Sugar Added with Electrolytes” minis are built around the same standards fans expect from the brand, including:
- Organic ingredients
- No artificial dyes
- No added sugar
- Electrolytes for hydration support
- Layered flavors designed for a fun, refreshing bite
“Consumers often share with us how JonnyPops is part of their everyday moments,” said Erik Brust, Co-Founder of JonnyPops. “We hope that these new frozen pops will be loved by our fans and enjoyed in all moments that need a refreshing treat.”
When you can find them
JonnyPops says the new minis are expected to hit stores in April 2026.
For updates on availability and additional product news, visit www.jonnypops.com and follow JonnyPops on social media.
About JonnyPops
JonnyPops’ tagline is “A Better Pop for a Better World!™” and the company says its mission is to make “delicious, magical products” while helping make the world a kinder place.
The brand notes its pops are free from artificial dyes, made in a peanut-free facility, and include a kind deed printed on every pop stick.
JonnyPops was founded in a St. Olaf College dorm room and sold its first pops at Twin Cities farmers’ markets and local cafes in 2012. Today, the company employs 200+ people, produces its frozen pops in-house, and is sold through major retailers across all 50 states.
Learn more at jonnypops.com or follow @jonnypops on Instagram.
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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/
Food and Beverage
Survey Finds Cooking Oil Now Influences Where Many Americans Choose to Eat
A new survey suggests cooking oil is no longer just a kitchen detail. Coast Packing found that 43% of Americans say a restaurant’s cooking oil influences where they choose to eat.

New national survey data suggests cooking oil is becoming a visible factor in restaurant selection, with younger diners showing the strongest preferences.
A new national survey suggests that cooking oil is no longer just a back-of-house decision for restaurants. It is increasingly becoming part of how consumers decide where to eat.
According to new data released by Coast Packing Company, 43% of Americans say a restaurant’s cooking oil influences their dining choice. The survey, based on responses from 1,005 U.S. consumers, points to a clear shift in how ingredient decisions are perceived by the public.
The strongest signal comes from younger diners. Among adults ages 18 to 34, 52% say knowing whether a restaurant uses Beef Tallow or seed oils affects where they choose to eat. Among consumers 55 and older, that number falls to 33%.
The preference gap also shows up when diners are asked to choose between two otherwise identical restaurants. In that scenario, 31% of adults ages 18 to 34 say they would choose the restaurant using Beef Tallow, compared with 19% of adults 55 and older.
The survey also found that 24.7% of diners prefer restaurants to use traditional animal fats such as butter or Beef Tallow, while 15.6% prefer seed or vegetable oils. That suggests ingredient choices once treated mainly as operational decisions may now be influencing brand perception, menu appeal, and customer loyalty.
For restaurant operators, the findings point to a broader change in consumer behavior. Diners, especially younger ones, appear increasingly interested in how food is prepared and what ingredients are used behind the scenes. That shift aligns with wider food industry trends that emphasize transparency, flavor, and traditional preparation methods.
Coast Packing says the data builds on years of tracking consumer attitudes toward animal fats. Earlier research showed growing openness to ingredients such as Lard and Beef Tallow, particularly among younger consumers who associate them with flavor and old-school cooking. This latest survey goes a step further by suggesting those views are now influencing actual dining behavior.
The findings also match broader market signals. Whole Foods Market’s 2026 food trend forecast identified Beef Tallow as an emerging ingredient gaining visibility, while analysts continue to project growth in the global tallow sector through 2030.
Restaurants are unlikely to overhaul kitchen practices overnight. Still, the survey suggests cooking oil is becoming more than a technical ingredient choice. For a growing share of consumers, it is part of the dining experience itself.
For more information, visit Coast Packing Company.
External Links
- Back to Flavor, Back to Tallow white paper
- Email to request the full survey results
- Coast Packing Company official website
- Coast Packing TasteMap
- Healthy Fats Coalition
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