Exclusive | Iconic LA burger stand celebrates 80…
Irv’s (*80*), the enduring Los Angeles burger stand where well-known rockers frequented in the ’70s, will have fun its eightieth anniversary on August 26 with a selection of specials.
Each of Irv’s now six places will offer Irv’s Original Roadside Single (*80*) for just $.80, or free for anybody 80 years or older.
There will also be 80 giveaways at each store that will embrace “Free Burgers for a Year” (one Roadside Single every week), $80 Gift Cards and merch.
Irv’s (*80*) CEO Lawrence Longo poses for a portrait forward of the well-known burger stand’s eightieth anniversary celebration. Pedro Colo for CA Post
The Original Roadside Burger at Irv’s in West Hollywood. Pedro Colo for CA Post
“What makes this special is that it’s the no frills,” Irv’s CEO Lawrence Longo said. “It should bring back that nostalgia of when you were growing up, that local neighborhood spot. You’d always want to grab a burger after your baseball game, after a soccer game, after church you want to go and you want to indulge in something delicious.”
First opened at 8289 Santa Monica Blvd. as Queen’s (*80*) in 1946, it was one of the first ever roadside burger stands on Route 66.
A historic image of Irv’s (*80*) in Los Angeles. Courtesy Irv’s (*80*)
It later modified to Joe’s before Irv Gendis bought it in 1970 and gave it his moniker.
“That’s when all the rock stars would show up,” Longo said. “If you know the history of rock ’n’ roll, Laurel Canyon was literally up the street. And everyone from Jim Morrison, Jimi Hendrix, Linda Ronstadt, all would hang out.”
A photograph of Ronstadt at Irv’s is included in her 1978 “Living In The USA” album art work, and The Clash also famously posed there.
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The Clash at Irv’s (*80*).
Today, Drew Barrymore and Seth Rogen are frequent clients, according to Longo, who found Irv’s in 2018.
“I was eating a burger a day every day for a year, trying all the best burgers in California,” he recalled. “I tried Irv’s and I loved it. It had so much character and nostalgia and I just wanted to be a part of the story.”
Customers order at Irv’s (*80*), a Southern California establishment. Pedro Colo for CA Post
Irv’s (*80*) CEO Lawrence Longo exhibits the signal noting how the unique location has been made a historic landmark. Pedro Colo for CA Post
Irv’s moved to it’s new location (7998 Santa Monica Blvd) but it’s unique was given historic landmark standing after locals protested to reserve it from destruction.
Longo has since expanded Irv’s into other places across Los Angeles and Las Vegas, and just announced a partnership with the film “Ice Cream Man.”
Irv’s will also have fun its eightieth with exclusive merch, and will make $0.80 donations for each full price combo bought on August 26 to local food banks.
“Irv’s Burgers is like the Rocky Balboa of burger stands,” Longo said. “It never gives up. … We don’t rely on hype. We rely on quality food, quality ingredients and good old fashioned hospitality. And I think if you just focus on making a good product and and treat your customers right, you can live forever.”
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