Original Tommy’s Celebrates 80th Anniversary With…
It was a birthday bash of epic, chili-drenched proportions.
Original Tommy’s, the legendary Southern California staple identified for its well-known well-known bean-less chili, celebrated its 80th anniversary at its first location in Central Los Angeles Friday.
To mark eight many years of serving hungry Angelenos, the long-lasting chain slashed its costs, offering its signature chili cheeseburger for just 80 cents instead of the same old $5.50.
Original Tommy’s celebrates its 80th anniversary by offering its iconic chili cheeseburgers for just 80 cents in Los Angeles, California, May 15, 2026. Jonathan Alcorn for CA Post
The one-day-only promo ran from midday to 8 p.m. at all 32 areas across California and Nevada, inflicting traces to wrap around the block and turning parking tons into scenes of pure nostalgia. To keep the traces transferring pretty, the chain applied a strict restrict of three burgers per prospects for in-person orders only—no online ordering or supply allowed.
Raul Santana, 89-year-old Tommy’s tremendous fan, celebrates Original Tommy’s 80th anniversary Jonathan Alcorn for CA Post
At the flagship location at Beverly Boulevard and Rampart Boulevard—the very same nook where founder Tom Koulax opened a humble roadside stand in 1946—the air was thick with satisfaction and simmering chili.
“It’s delicious,” Sable Owano told The California Post. “I like it and I love it. The chili is very spicy, but I love it!”
Sable Awono received 80 cent chili cheeseburgers at Original Tommy’s Jonathan Alcorn for CA Post
The anniversary bash had the texture of a neighborhood block get together, full with music and generations of households lining up for the throwback deal.
The celebrations kicked off with a efficiency by the Belmont High School Marching Band, adopted by a DJ spinning tracks for a large crowd.
The celebrations kicked off with a efficiency by the Belmont High School Marching Band, adopted by a DJ spinning tracks for a large crowd. Jonathan Alcorn for CA Post
“I would say my Tommy’s go-to is a Tommy’s breakfast sandwich,” Holdn Smyser told The Post. “Honestly, I love the chili. Yeah, the egg and the chili mixed together, it’s perfect. Like, great morning breakfast sandwich. I love to have it.”
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“I love the burgers as well,” Smyser added. “You can’t go wrong with the chili, the patties are amazing. It’s all natural ingredients.”
The anniversary event was about more than just low cost burgers, though. For Vivian Mercado, the promise of good food, household, and a live DJ introduced her out to Tommy’s today. “This is my community,” Mercado told The Post.
Vivian Mercado eats a chili cheeseburger as Original Tommy’s celebrates its 80th anniversary Jonathan Alcorn for CA Post
Lines stretched past the property with reviews of people ready between two and three hours for a deal that only comes around once every 80 years.
The milestone event drew consideration from local leaders as properly. California Assembly member Mark Gonzalez formally declared it “Tommy’s Day” in the state, presenting a formal decision honoring the business and its 80 years of affect.
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