It was a birthday bash of epic, chili-drenched proportions.
Original Tommy’s, the legendary Southern California staple known for its famous famous bean-less chili, celebrated its 80th anniversary at its first location in Central Los Angeles Friday. To mark eight decades of serving hungry Angelenos, the iconic chain slashed its prices, offering its signature chili cheeseburger for just 80 cents instead of the usual $5.50.
The one-day-only promo ran from noon to 8 p.m. at all 32 locations across California and Nevada, causing lines to wrap around the block and turning parking lots into scenes of pure nostalgia. To keep the lines moving fairly, the chain implemented a strict limit of three burgers per customers for in-person orders only—no online ordering or delivery allowed.
At the flagship location at Beverly Boulevard and Rampart Boulevard—the very same corner where founder Tom Koulax opened a humble roadside stand in 1946—the air was thick with pride 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!”
The anniversary bash had the feel of a neighborhood block party, complete with music and generations of families lining up for the throwback deal. The celebrations kicked off with a performance by the Belmont High School Marching Band, followed by a DJ spinning tracks for a massive crowd.
“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.”
“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 cheap burgers, though. For Vivian Mercado, the promise of good food, family, and a live DJ brought her out to Tommy’s today. “This is my community,” Mercado told The Post.
Lines stretched beyond the property with reports of people waiting between two and three hours for a deal that only comes around once every 80 years.
The milestone event drew attention from local leaders as well. California Assembly member Mark Gonzalez officially declared it “Tommy’s Day” in the state, presenting a formal resolution honoring the business and its 80 years of impact.
