Irv's Burgers, a celebrated Los Angeles burger institution with a rich history intertwined with the rock 'n' roll scene of the 1970s, is set to commemorate its 80th anniversary on August 26. The festivities will include a variety of specials across its six locations, headlined by $.80 Irv's Original Roadside Single Burgers.
Customers aged 80 and older will receive their burgers free of charge. In addition to the discounted burgers, each location will host 80 giveaways. These prizes include "Free Burgers for a Year," a designation of one Roadside Single burger weekly for a year, $80 gift cards, and branded merchandise. The anniversary event also includes a charitable component, with Irv's Burgers pledging to donate $0.80 to local food banks for every full-price combo purchased on August 26.
Irv's Burgers began its journey in 1946 as Queen's Burgers, one of the earliest roadside stands along Route 66, at 8289 Santa Monica Boulevard. After a period operating as Joe's, Irv Gendis acquired the establishment in 1970, rebranding it with his name. This era saw the burger stand become a popular spot for musicians performing in the nearby Laurel Canyon area. Celebrities such as Jim Morrison, Jimi Hendrix, and Linda Ronstadt were frequent visitors. Linda Ronstadt's presence at Irv's was notably featured in the album artwork for her 1978 release "Living In The USA," and the band The Clash also famously posed for a photograph outside the establishment.
Today, the burger stand continues to attract notable figures, with current CEO Lawrence Longo citing Drew Barrymore and Seth Rogen as frequent customers. Longo discovered Irv's in 2018 and was drawn to its distinctive character and nostalgic appeal, leading him to become part of its ongoing story. The original location at 7998 Santa Monica Boulevard has been designated a historical landmark following local efforts to preserve it.
Longo has expanded the Irv's brand to multiple locations across Los Angeles and Las Vegas. The anniversary celebration also includes exclusive merchandise and a recently announced partnership with the movie "Ice Cream Man."
"Irv's Burgers is like the Rocky Balboa of burger stands," Longo commented. "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."