Tam's Burgers
 | |
| Company type | Private |
|---|---|
| Industry | Foodservice |
| Founded | 1971 |
| Founder | Kostas Vovos |
Number of locations | 12+ (2022) |
| Owner | Sprio Vovos |
Tam's Burgers is an American restaurant chain based in Southern California. Founded in 1971, it has been seen as a symbol of Compton, California.[1]
The restaurant is not to be confused with another chain based in Southern California of the same name. That chain split from the original Tam's in 1992 and serves the Inland Empire, with six locations.[2]
History
[edit]Tam's Burgers was founded in 1971 by Kostas Vovos. His grandson, Spiro owns the restaurant as of 2022.[1][3]
Locations
[edit]The chain has over twelve locations in Los Angeles County.[1]
In popular culture
[edit]Kendrick Lamar mentioned the chain in his 2017 song "ELEMENT.", rapping "I be hangin' out at Tam's, I be on Stockton / I don't do it for the 'Gram, I do it for Compton".[4] The set for the Super Bowl LVI halftime show in 2022 included a sign from Tam's Burgers #21 and references to many other Compton landmarks as a tribute to the African-American culture of the Los Angeles area.[1][5][6] Lamar is also seen eating at the chain in the music video for his 2024 song "Not Like Us" alongside the song's producer, Mustard.[7]
References
[edit]- ^ a b c d Ding, Jaimie (February 15, 2022). "In Compton, Tam's regulars are proud of Super Bowl moment: 'It felt like we were being seen'". Los Angeles Times. Archived from the original on July 4, 2024. Retrieved July 5, 2024.
- ^ "Inland Empire Tam's Burgers website". Archived from the original on July 5, 2024. Retrieved July 5, 2024.
- ^ Kissel, Thomas (February 23, 2022). "Tam's Burgers: The Greek Grandfather of Compton Taking Over Super Bowl LVI". Greek Reporter. Archived from the original on July 6, 2024. Retrieved July 5, 2024.
- ^ Brown, August (February 14, 2022). "Tam's Burgers forever: For locals, Compton landmarks steal the Super Bowl halftime show". Los Angeles Times. Archived from the original on June 21, 2024. Retrieved July 5, 2024.
- ^ Holmes, Mona (February 14, 2022). "Dr. Dre Features Tam's Burgers From Compton During Super Bowl Halftime Show". Eater LA. Archived from the original on December 2, 2023. Retrieved July 5, 2024.
- ^ Johnson, Kelli (February 14, 2022). "Popular Compton restaurant Tam's Burgers No. 21 featured in Super Bowl halftime show". FOX 11. Archived from the original on July 6, 2024. Retrieved July 5, 2024.
- ^ Phillips, Zoe (July 4, 2024). "Kendrick Lamar Releases "Not Like Us" Music Video, Takes More Shots at Drake". The Hollywood Reporter. Archived from the original on July 5, 2024. Retrieved July 6, 2024.