Tommy’s was founded in 1946 by Tom Koulax. The son of Greek immigrants, Tom engaged in various business ventures before founding the original shack on the corner of Beverly and Rampart Blvds, west of downtown Los Angeles. It took some time before the public discovered his small shack. However, the many long hours of work, and dedication toward quality and fast service finally paid off. By the mid 1950’s, the little shack gained a reputation like none other to satisfy the appetites of Los Angeles burger lovers and the Hollywood elite.
Today there are 32 locations across Southern California and Las Vegas.
I have devoured many a famous chili burger along with a side of chili cheese fries and washed down with a cold Pepsi, standing along the back outside counter walls of their subsequent expansion. On a sunny afternoon with chili dripping onto my shirt and shoes, I was in heaven.