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Lovie Yancey Obituary
Yancey, who started with a hamburger stand in 1950's Los Angeles and saw it expand to more than 90 locations across the country and overseas, died Jan. 26, Fatburger's parent owner Fog Cutter Capital Group Inc. said in a statement.
In 1947, Yancey opened her first stand with a partner, calling it Mr. Fatburger. They parted ways five years later, and Yancey changed the business name to Fatburger with sights on expanding it. For her efforts, Yancey was recognized as a trailblazing black businesswoman of her time.
She turned cooked-to-order burgers made from fresh instead of frozen patties, onion rings and thick fries trademarks of a Fatburger restaurant. A music lover, she also put jukeboxes in the restaurants to keep it lively.
Her flagship location in Beverly Hills drew many celebrity diners, some of whom went on to invest in the franchise. Earvin "Magic" Johnson invested in the restaurant chain for several years, then sold his majority stake in 2003 for $6 million to Portland, Ore.-based Fog Cutter.
Queen Latifah helped invest in a Fatburger in Miami, and musician Pharrell Williams has partnered with the chain to open Fatburger's first 10 locations in China.
Copyright © 2008 The Associated Press
49 Entries
Angela Breaux I'm her great granddaughter
January 14, 2025
John Rooney
March 15, 2021
God Bless Lovie Yancie.... A kind and generous Lady....!
Barry Minniefield
November 22, 2018
To the Queen of burgers Thank You! I use to go to fatburger in BeverlyHills back in 1985 Best burgers in the world! RIP OUR BURGER QUEEN!!!
My grandson September 2008
Becca Pentland
June 25, 2017
When I moved to LA in 1987 from Lubbock the only thing I missed about Texas besides my family was the food. I tried a few burger joints and thought "Why the heck do they all have Thousand Island Dressing on them, Gross!" The onion rings were always frozen or covered in beer batter, YUCK. Never ever could I find a good burger. Then one day EUREKA! I stumbled into a Fatburger probably the one on LaCienega and my guess is that it would have been in 1988 or 1989. Anyway I thought I had died and gone to Heaven. Perfect Burger, Perfect Onion Rings etc!!! I never knew the owner or her story. After I found Fatburger and would go back to Lubbock for visits I would get my normal Pete's Burger and Rings or Tots but they didn't even come close to a Fatburger. I never could ever find other good Texas food like Chicken Fried Steak etc. Now to the rest of the story. Due to financial reasons I had to leave the LA area in 2014 and move back to Texas. I wanted to be near my family in San Antonio but not to close and I wanted to be in a more liberal area. I did google searches and finally settled on a little town outside of Austin. The downtown reminded me of a little town I had lived in Colorado. I moved here sight unseen and I have grown to love this little town. Now I find myself missing LA Food and when I return for a visit the first thing on my list is always a Fatburger. I sooooo miss them! And the rings. I'm working for the town and have been doing some Historic Research and have been somewhat focused on Black History. I was researching some things the other day and ran across the story of Love Yancey. Needless to say my mouth fell to the floor in shock. You see the little town I moved to is Bastrop, Texas. The very place she was born in 1912. I've been here three years now and I just find this out. Shaking my head in disbelief. Now its my mission to find someone to bring Fatburger to Bastrop, Texas (which would be the First one in Texas) and in her birthplace and have a Museum attached to it in her honor and Black History. I can't do it myself unfortunately. So in trying to find out more about Love I stumbled across this obit. I want to research those missing years in Texas. I really wish I had met this woman. What a story. Not sure anyone will read this but if someone does please throw good vibes this direction! Maybe one day I can post that this mission has ben accomplished!!! Thank you Lovie Yancey for feeding me, my children, my grandchildren, and all of my friends and family that came to visit in LA!! Was always the first stop for visitors! Becca
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Valenda Newell
January 10, 2017
A GREAT WOMAN WHO WAS DESTINED FOR GREATNESS. LOVIE HAD A VISION AND THROUGH HARD WORK AND DEDICATION HER BURGER JOINT BECAME A FRANCHISE. THE PROOF OF HER SUCCESS WAS HOW GREAT THOSE FATBURGERS TASTED....MANY PRAYERS AND BLESSINGS...RIH
Trayci Nelson
June 21, 2014
Thank you for being a visionary.....an out of the box thinker...and for daring to dare! Bravo and well done.
Marlene Love
April 9, 2013
Thank you Mrs. Yancey, for paving the path for others to follow. Thank you for your efforts to assist those afflicted with sickle cell anemia. We are praying for a cure. Thank you for your ingenuity, your integrity and creativity. Women like you, make me proud to be a woman. May God rest your soul. With deepest condolences to the Yancey family and friends. May your memories of happier times bring you comfort in your time of sorrow.
February 17, 2012
to the yancey family-
my wife and i moved to l.a. from detroit in 1965, and found fatburger through a friend. whenever someone mentioned hamburger - fatburger's was always the first place that came to mind.
we never knew who owned it. so lovely to find out it was ms yancey. God Bless!
carolyn and mac billups
Duran Porrazzo
January 27, 2011
miss you g-mom!!! ran
April 2, 2010
For Lovie...your Fatburger chain
changed the burger world.
WEEP NOT FOR ME
Do not weep for me when I no longer dwell among the wonders of the earth; for my larger self is free, and my soul rejoices on the other side of pain...on the other side of darkness.
Do not weep for me, for I am a ray of sunshine that touches your skin, a tropical breeze upon your face, the hush of joy within your heart and the innocence of babes in mothers arms.
I am the hope in a darkened night. And, in your hour of need, I will be there to comfort you. I will share your tears, your joys, your fears, your disappointments and your triumphs.
Do not weep for me, for I am cradled
in the arms of God. I walk with the angels, and hear the music beyond the stars.
Do not weep for me, for I am within you;
I am peace, love, I am a soft wind that caresses the flowers. I am the calm that follows a raging storm. I am an autumns leaf that floats among the garden of God, and I am pure white snow that softly falls upon your hand.
Do not weep for me, for I shall never die, as long as you remember me...
with a smile and a sigh.
© Joe Fazio
~
[email protected] /Joe Fazio,
Beverly Hills, California
V. Hampton
January 14, 2009
My family moved to California, from New Orleans, in 1971. My dad had a cleaning business, and three times a week he'd treat the work crew to "Fatburgers".Those were the days,and the very best burgers.God Bless, Ms. Lovie Yancey.
Mary Watkins
February 10, 2008
Gwen, Marcia, Angie and all of my dear family. I mourn when you mourn and laugh when you laugh. I miss you all very much. May the God of all comfort be with you as you go forth.
Ed cook
February 5, 2008
During my days with LAPD, my partner, Mack Andrews & I went code-7 many times in S/W div from Wilshire Div. just for a FAT Burger. My deepest condolences to the family for your loss. GOD Bless
D. Thomas
February 4, 2008
Oh my goodness-back in the day (25 years or so ago,)leaving clubs after 2am, nothing could best finishing up a party night/morning better than a Fatburger. Friends and myself often visted Fatburger's located on Western Blvd, in LA, CA. It was truly "magic" as to how the hunger pains were curbed, after grubbing down a burger or two.
Sister Lovie, you deserve the best rest, for bringing us the best burger ever! and I am sure the angels share my sentiment that there is no better burger anywhere on this earth. Thanks for sharing it with me and my peeps and people everywhere.
B. Griffin
February 4, 2008
RIP
Susan T.
February 4, 2008
I worked nights at Cedar-Sinai Hospital, in the late 70's and there was nothing like a Fatburger to help the employees make it through the night. Of course, we hoped our onion breath didn't bother the patients.
Beverly Watkins
February 4, 2008
I've never heard of the "Fatburger" but I will make it my business to try one as soon as I can.
I'll keep Ms Yancey's family in my thoughts and prayers.
Rest In Peace Lovie Yancey!
DEE CUNNINGHAM
February 4, 2008
I HAVEN'T HAD A FATBURGER SINCE I WAS STATIONED AT LOS ANGELES AFS IN THE MID 80'S. THANK YOU FOR YOUR LEGACY.
D.J. TUCKER-CUNNINGHAM
Rest In Peace
Michael iezzi
February 4, 2008
Father we entrust our sister Lovie to your mercy. You loved her greatly in this life: now that she is freed from all its cares, give her happiness and peace forever. Welcome her now into paradise where there will be no more sorrow, no more weeping or pain, but only peace and joy with Jesus your Son, and the Holy Spirit forever and ever.
May God hold Lovie in the palm of His hand. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. My deepest sympathy.
Juanita Mikell
February 4, 2008
To a beautiful strong woman who knew that if she wanted anything out of life she would have to work for it and work she did. To the family she left behind please remember what God word the Bible says at Revelation 17:1-5 and keep the faith in his Holy Word forever.
B.J. Bosley
February 4, 2008
Blessings, peace and comfort to you at this time and always. What a marvelous legacy for all of the world to share. May He who keeps us from falling comfort you at this hour. HALLELUJAH TO HIS NAME!
Ferrari Brown
February 4, 2008
Thank you for inspiring other young women of all colors to follow in your footsteps. Your determination will never die but pour over into generations to come
R Davis
February 4, 2008
My deep condolence for your loss.when a loved one falls a sleep in death it sometime hard. But the Bible give a hope through God's Kingdom find at Matthew 6:9,10 promise a world full of real hope,no more sickness,pain or death. Our loved ones that are sleeping now will be brought back to life on a paradise earth under this Kingdom. May the God of all comfort be with you and your family.
R Davis
February 4, 2008
My deep condolence for your loss.when a loved one falls a sleep in death it sometime hard. But the Bible give a hope through God's Kingdom find at Matthew 6:9,10 promise a world full of real hope,no more sickness,pain or death. Our loved ones that are sleeping now will be brought back to life on a paradise earth under this Kingdom. My the Go of all comfort be with you and your family.
Gwen Cooley
February 4, 2008
Thank you for having a dream, following that dream and giving to others the belief to live their dreams.
KEVIN EDMONDS
February 4, 2008
To my dearest family, some things I'd like to say...
but first of all, to let you know, that I arrived okay.
I'm writing this from heaven. Here I dwell with God above.
Here, there's no more tears of sadness; here is just eternal love.
Please do not be unhappy just because I'm out of sight.
Remember that I'm with you every morning, noon and night.
That day I had to leave you when my life on earth was through,
God picked me up and hugged me and He said, "I welcome you."
It's good to have you back again; you were missed while you were gone.
As for your dearest family, they'll be here later on.
I need you here badly; you're part of my plan.
There's so much that we have to do, to help our mortal man."
God gave me a list of things, that he wished for me to do.
And foremost on the list, was to watch and care for you.
And when you lie in bed at night, the day's chores put to flight.
God and I are closest to you....in the middle of the night.
When you think of my life on earth, and all those loving years
because you are only human, they are bound to bring you tears.
But do not be afraid to cry; it does relieve the pain.
Remember there would be no flowers, unless there was some rain.
I wish that I could tell you all that God has planned.
But if I were to tell you, you wouldn't understand.
But one thing is for certain, though my life on earth is o'er.
I'm closer to you now, than I ever was before.
There are many rocky roads ahead of you and many hills to climb;
but together we can do it by taking one day at a time.
It was always my philosophy and I'd like it for you too...
that as you give unto the world, the world will give to you.
If you can help somebody who's in sorrow and pain,
then you can say to God at night......"My day was not in vain."
And now I am contented....that my life has been worthwhile,
knowing as I passed along the way, I made somebody smile.
So if you meet somebody who is sad and feeling low,
just lend a hand to pick him up, as on your way you go.
When you're walking down the street, and you've got me on your mind;
I'm walking in your footsteps only half a step behind.
And when it's time for you to go.... from that body to be free,
remember you're not going.....you're coming here to me.
Ruth Ann Mahaffey (author)
©Copyright 1998-2008
Daniels
February 4, 2008
My deepest condolences are offered to the family. May you find comfort in your loving memories and in the comfort God provides. "He will actually swallow up death forever." Isaiah 25:9
pattie
February 4, 2008
HI MISS YOU AND THINK ABOUT YOU FROM TIME TO TIME.YOU WERE A WONDERFUL FRIEND. LATER!!!
D PIPER
February 4, 2008
Until now i havent even heard of fatburger, but just reading the story behind it is wonderful!! my heart felt condolences to the family and also my prayers. hopefully one we Delaware will be blessed with a fatburger!
CHRISTMAS 2007,NEW ORLEANS,AFTER REBUILDING.
WARRENA STILL
February 4, 2008
I HAVEN'T NEVER MET,MS.YANCEY,I WANT THE FAMILY TOO KNOW,I AM 52YRS.AND THE LAST TIME I'VE HAD ONE OF THOSE DELICOUS BURGERS.WAS WHEN I WAS LIVING OUT IN LOS, ANGELAS,CLIFORNIA,I WAS THEN AT AGE 26YRS."WHAT AN LEGACY." My question? Are there any 'FATBUGER' around down New Orleans,I'm back home now.
WITH ALL MY BLESSINGS!
&
ADMIRATION
Smith Wordes
February 3, 2008
I'll always keep Lovie's strength close to my heart. She was one of the most beautiful and fiestiest women I've every known. I'm so proud to have been a part of her family at a most important time in my life. I'll never forget Lovie.
God bless you Lovie for all that you gave to everyone.
My deepest of sympathy to the family. My prayers are with you and with Lovie.
Smitty
N Holliday
February 3, 2008
What a beautiful woman with a pretty name, gone home to be with the lord. May God bless the family.
Tom Gugliuzza-Smith
February 3, 2008
My heartfelt sympathy to the Yancey family in the loss of Lovie.
Mrs. Bernard
February 3, 2008
i never knew the story behind fatburger all i did know is that they are great !! for that i say thank you and may you be at peace.
VALADORA HALL
February 2, 2008
THANK YOU FOR BEING A GREAT ROLL MODEL.THANKS FROM MY FAMILY FOR ALL THOSE GREAT LATE NIGHT FATBURGERS.
Theda Nelson
February 2, 2008
It Fills my heart with joy to know that we are still the people of the most highest creative skills,and still supportive of each other
Emma Henderson
February 2, 2008
Thank you for all that you did,although many cannot see why we celebrate Black Achievement,you are a number one reason.My condolences to your friends and famliy.....
Cindy Lewis-Salley
February 2, 2008
May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well-lived.
Roger
February 2, 2008
All these years of enjoying Fatburgers and I didn't even know who started the business. Shame on me. They should put a photo of her in every franchise. By the way, I always have a fried egg inside my bouble chili Cheeseburger...yummm
Josie Zelenik-Hash
February 2, 2008
Ms. Yancey was a beautiful person, who was way ahead of her time. I'd like to express my deepest sympathies to her family and friends.
Valerie Dyer
February 2, 2008
My condolences to Lovie's family, and even though I've never had a fatburger or visited the establisment, I've heard fatburger mentioned several times on TV.
Ethel Yates
February 2, 2008
May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well-lived.
Harry Pruitt
February 2, 2008
Harry Pruitt, Sacramento, CA
Barbara Hall
February 2, 2008
My condolences to the family of Ms. Yancey. I did not know her personally but was surprised to learn she was African American. My husband and I have ate in one of the "FatBurger Restaurants many times here in Vegas and the food was absolutely delicious. Rest In Peace!
RJ Moore
February 2, 2008
THANK YOU Ms. Lovie.... Those burgers are the best... You showed not only women, but the world that if you stick with your dreams, your goals can come true.
Billy
February 2, 2008
She'll bemissed. We love those fartburgers
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