Compton Burger Stand gets huge boost from Kendrick Lamar’s music video

Days after releasing his viral music video “Not Like Us” on July 4, 2024, rapper Kendrick Lamar had a major impact on the sales of a local Los Angeles restaurant. The video follows locations and crowds throughout Compton, including longtime neighborhood favorite Tam’s Burgers No. 21 on the corner of Rosecrans and Central Avenue.

According to TMZ, Tam’s manager Lauro Hernandez said the restaurant saw a 30 to 40 percent increase in sales following the video, which shows Lamar and music producer Mustard entering Tam’s while showcasing dancer Storm DeBarge in the dining room. Hernandez says guests are ordering Lamar’s favorite bacon cheeseburger. The video currently has 41.5 million views. Tam’s No. 21 is a South LA staple and even appeared in Dr. Dre’s now-iconic Super Bowl 2022 halftime performance at SoFi Stadium, featuring songs by Dre, Snoop Dogg and Lamar. Tam’s performance begins at 2:03.

Luke’s Lobster is coming to Santa Monica

What’s happening now: Los Angeles snooped on the city of Santa Monica’s blog and noticed that Maine-based restaurant Luke’s Lobster is listed as “opening soon.” The city government has embarked on a $1 billion investment in Downtown Santa Monica that includes new hotels, restaurants and 1,300 new apartments to bolster the new and existing businesses.

The The Los Angeles Times Restaurant of the Year

Los Angeles Times Restaurant critic Bill Addison named Baroo the 2024 Restaurant of the Year. The modern Korean restaurant reopened in the Arts District in mid-2023. Food editor Laurie Ochoa named Mariscos Jalisco the recipient of the 2024 Gold Award.

A Redbird Dinner with Sad Papi

Redbird in Downtown will host the first Mentor-Mentee Guest Chef Dinner on July 18 with Brandon Skier, known on social media as Sad Papi. The Redbird alumnus just released his first cookbook, Make it chicHe prepares a three-course family meal for $250 per person, drinks included. Find the full menu and reservations here.

Pizza chain “Mod Pizza” in financial difficulties

Mod Pizza, the fast-casual restaurant chain with over 40 locations in California, may soon file for bankruptcy, Bloomberg reports. The company could file for bankruptcy as early as this month.

A Festival of Carne Asada

Northgate Gonzalez Market is hosting an Asada Fest in Downtown LA on Saturday, July 13. It will take place in the Rolling Greens Arts District with chefs Javier Plascencia of Animalón, Roberto Morales of RobeGrill, Daniel Castillo of Heritage Barbecue and Netflix’ Taco Chronicles Nereida Vejar, who specializes in cattle slaughter. Organizers also invited a slew of taqueros, including Tacos La Carreta and Tacos La Rueda, as well as a full day of activities centered around carne asada. Advance tickets with tastings are $100 for VIPs, and food and drinks are included in the $75 general admission price. Get a ticket here.

Asada Festival