Before Smashburgers Were a Trend, There Was Lovie Yancey

Before smashburgers were all over Los Angeles, there was Lovie Yancey. She wasn’t just making burgers—she was building something bigger. Born in Texas in 1912, Lovie moved to LA and started what would become one of the most iconic burger spots in the city: Fatburger.

Lovie Yancey - Fatburger Founder

It all started back in 1947 when she opened a small burger stand called Mr. Fatburger. A few years later, she bought out her business partner, dropped the “Mr.,” and made the place her own. That’s when Fatburger really became what we know it as today—a spot for made-to-order burgers, full of flavor and cooked with care without the flare. At a time when Black women didn’t get many chances to own businesses, Lovie made her mark.

The burgers she served were no joke—fresh beef smashed on the grill, cooked to order every time. Mustard and mayo added that tangy richness, and toppings like shredded lettuce, onions, pickles, tomato, and relish gave it that perfect balance of crunch, sweetness, and bite. It was messy in the best way—and full of soul.

That same style of burger has made a big comeback in recent years, especially in LA. And even though a lot of people might not know Lovie Yancey’s name, her influence is everywhere.

In a new YouTube video, Mexi Papa teams up with guest host Luis Lara to trace Lovie’s blueprint across the city. After starting off at Fatburger, they visit different smashburger spots that all carry her flavor and spirit in their own way:

• Hot Box – big energy, bold flavors

• A1 Burger – throwback vibes with a seasoned smash that hits just right

• Master Burger – one of LA’s OG neighborhood joints

• Storm Burger – the new kid on the block, but already making waves

Every spot serves that classic LA-style smashburger: thin, crispy beef patties smashed right on the grill, paired with those Lovie-style toppings—mustard, mayo, shredded lettuce, tomato, onions, pickles, and relish.

Lovie Yancey might not be here today, but her legacy is alive and well on the grills of LA. She helped lay the foundation for what a good burger should be, and today’s spots are still building on that.

Check out the video to follow the full burger tour—and see how one woman’s vision still lives on, one bite at a time.

Check out part one of this Hood Burger series