The LA-based chain has been mentioned in songs by Notorious B.I.G., Tupac, and Ice Cube.
Since its beginning, rap and hip-hop have never shied away from its appetite. See the genre’s affinity for Grey Poupon mustard, MF Doom’s album plainly titled MM…Food — not to mention rapper, Action Bronson, hosting his own cooking show — as samples of a smorgasbord of examples.
However, one common culinary feature that oft finds its way into rap lyrics is the LA-based burger joint, Fatburger, which will be making its return to the Chicago in the form of a ghost kitchen.
Fatburger is a fast-casual, dine-in, and takeout hamburger chain. The franchise has been around for over 60 years and has businesses in 7 states and more than 20 countries. Back in 2007, Kanye West invested in the company with the plan of opening 10 locations in the Chicago area. He opened two of their restaurants in 2009, but ultimately shuttered them in 2011. Maybe that’s why he made the change to Chick-Fil-A?
In addition to Yeezus, a number of other artists have featured the Fatburger’s name in their songs. Notorious B.I.G., aka Biggie Smalls — unquestionably one of the best lyricist hip-hop has ever seen — mentions the eatery in Going Back To Cali off his double album, Life After Death.
Somewhat ironically, the chain was also a favorite of 2Pac, who drops the eatery’s name in his song Late Night:
“The club be poppin so I’m stoppin at the Fatburger”
Most notably, the song appeared in Ice Cube’s song, It Was A Good Day:
“No helicopter lookin’ for a murder / Two in the mornin’, got the Fatburger / Even saw the lights of the Goodyear Blimp / And it read: Ice Cube’s a pimp”
In 2007, R&B artist, Pharrell — who has an entire Wikipedia page dedicated to his endless list of awards — brought Fatburger to China through his partnership with the franchise.
Fatburger offers a beefed-up menu with an increasing scale of signature burgers — beef as well as turkey, chicken, and veggie — along with hot dogs, chili dogs, buffalo wings, fries, and hand-spun milkshakes.
The eatery will open a joint-location with Buffalo’s Express and Hurricane Grill & Wings in River West at 850 W Superior St for delivery only. Customers can order through Grubhub, Postmates, Uber Eats, or Doordash.
In its press release, parent company FAT Brands’ announced their plans to open 20 more locations in Chicago, Philadelphia, New York, and Boston over the next two years.
From now until May 31, delivery from Fatburger is free when you order $15 or more through Door Dash.
Not craving burgers today? Check out these 20 restaurants reopening in Chicago.
[Featured image: @fatburger]