Lovie Louise Yancey, also known as “Lovie” or “Lovie Yancey,” was an American entrepreneur and the founder of the popular fast-food chain, “Fatburger.” She was born on January 3, 1912, in Bastrop, Louisiana, and died on January 26, 2008, in Los Angeles, California, at the age of 96.
Yancey was raised in Mississippi and later moved to California, where she worked as a maid and a cook. In the 1940s, she opened a small three-stool hamburger stand called “Mr. Fatburger” in Los Angeles, where she sold burgers made from fresh beef and cooked to order. The stand quickly became popular among locals and gained a reputation for its high-quality burgers.
Yancey was known for her commitment to using fresh, high-quality ingredients and for her hands-on approach to running her business. She personally oversaw the preparation of the food and often greeted customers at the stand. In the 1950s, Yancey’s business began to grow, and she changed the name of the stand to “Fatburger.” She eventually expanded the business to include multiple locations throughout California and later expanded to other parts of the United States and internationally.
Despite the success of her business, Yancey remained humble and committed to her community. She was known for her generosity and often donated food to local charities and events. She was also involved in civil rights activism and worked to support the African American community in Los Angeles.
In recognition of her contributions to the fast-food industry and her commitment to quality and community, Yancey was inducted into the National Restaurant Association’s “Hall of Fame” in 2002. Today, Fatburger is still a popular chain with locations around the world, and Yancey’s legacy continues to inspire entrepreneurs and business leaders.