WeHo’s Famous Irv’s Burgers Is on the Market

Irv’s Burgers, a West Hollywood institution, is on the market according to a recent announcement on Facebook.

“Irvs burger is currently for sale,” says the post. “If u want to keep this place available for all please send me a message… even if it is as a investor. Sonia is wanting to sell ownership so her and momma can be at home more. She will continue to work there after it sells to make sure customers are taken care of.”

Sonia Hong, the owner of Irv’s, has managed it with the help of her mother, Mamma-Soon, and her brother Sean, who died on Sept. 3. His death led to the temporary closing of Irv’s.

Irv’s Burgers is 67-year-old institution in West Hollywood, originally launched at 8289 Santa Monica Blvd. at Sweetzer. Hong bought the place in 2000 from Irv Gendis, who himself had purchased it in 1970. Once known as Queenies’ Burger and Joe’s Burgers, Irv’s was known as a hangout for rock stars such as Jim Morrison of The Doors.

The Hongs faced several efforts to demolish Irv’s. The City of West Hollywood designated Irv’s Burgers as a cultural resource in 2005 after a campaign dubbed the “Burger Brigade” that was sparked by the property owner’s plan to demolish Irv’s and use the area for parking for a Peet’s Coffee planned for the adjacent lot. That lot later became the site of Beach Nation, an outdoor restaurant that closed not long after it opened. The site currently is being redeveloped for an unknown restaurant.

Irv’s closed in October 2013 after being served an eviction notice by Standard Oil, the owner of its lot and that of Beach Nation, which had attempted to double Irv’s lease. It then moved to its current location at 7998 Santa Monica Blvd. near North Laurel.

Irv’s developed a reputation for great customer service, which included Soon’s habit of penning personal notes on nearly every paper plate she serves.