Photo by Ace Maxwell on Unsplash
On Melrose Avenue, one of Los Angeles’s busiest and most culturally rich streets, a new landmark is drawing lines of visitors daily. Just a short distance from Nipsey Hussle’s legendary Marathon Clothing store, Marathon Burger has emerged as a powerful symbol of community, perseverance, and cultural pride. But this isn’t just a burger joint. For Nipsey’s family, particularly his brother Samiel “Blacc Sam” Asghedom who leads the project, it is an extension of Nipsey’s vision: a commitment to ownership, empowerment, and uplifting the neighborhood he loved.
Marathon Burger, which officially opened on March 1, 2025, was greeted with an excitement usually reserved for concerts or film premieres. Crowds spilled onto the sidewalks, not only for the promise of sizzling Wagyu smashburgers but also for what the space represents—a continuation of Nipsey’s dream. The energy that day was palpable, carried by both music and memory.
The Grand Opening: More Than Just Food
Opening day at Marathon Burger felt like a community festival. Power 106, Los Angeles’s premier hip-hop radio station, arrived with their crew and transformed the launch into a block party. Their live broadcast amplified the already buzzing atmosphere: Nipsey’s greatest hits blasted from the speakers, fans shared personal stories about his influence, and hosts interviewed residents and travelers who came specifically to witness the beginning of this new chapter.
For many, it wasn’t simply about being first in line to taste the food—it was about paying tribute. Marathon Burger instantly positioned itself as not just another entry into L.A.’s competitive food scene but as a cultural celebration rooted in legacy.
Inside Marathon Burger: A Fusion of Flavor and Culture
Walking inside Marathon Burger, the first thing you notice is the vibe. The interior is designed to feel part modern diner, part cultural hub. Sleek counter seating invites guests to watch their food come to life, while walls carry subtle tributes to Nipsey’s journey, reminding everyone that the restaurant stands for more than what’s on the plate.
The menu strikes a balance between indulgence and inclusivity. The centerpiece—the Wagyu double smashburger—has quickly taken social media by storm. Melting cheese, grilled onions, and pickled Fresno peppers create a visually irresistible dish that floods Instagram feeds daily. But there’s more: organic Jidori chicken wings for those who crave a crispy bite, golden-fried shrimp for seafood lovers, and plant-based patties that ensure vegans don’t feel left out of the movement.
Each dish carries a sense of craftsmanship. It’s not fast food—it’s carefully curated comfort food, designed to feed both stomachs and spirits.
A Community’s Warm Reception
The response has been overwhelmingly positive. Yelp reviews poured in almost immediately, with both locals and tourists praising not only the flavors but the atmosphere. Some described the burgers as “life-changing,” while others highlighted the emotional weight of dining in a place so deeply tied to Nipsey’s legacy.
One reviewer wrote, “This isn’t just about eating. It’s about being part of something bigger. Every bite feels like victory, and you feel Nip’s energy in the room.” Another simply noted that the aroma “smells like success from down the block.”
For a city that prides itself on diversity and innovation in food, Marathon Burger stands out not only because of its culinary excellence but because of the sense of belonging it generates.
Beyond the Kitchen: Carrying Nipsey’s Legacy
What sets Marathon Burger apart from other trendy L.A. spots is its mission. Nipsey Hussle was more than a rapper; he was a visionary entrepreneur who invested in his community. He preached ownership, financial literacy, and empowerment—values his family is determined to keep alive.
Blacc Sam has emphasized that this restaurant isn’t just about serving food; it’s about continuing Nipsey’s marathon. The space functions as a community hub, a gathering point where people can celebrate resilience and remember that success is most meaningful when shared.
The opening event captured this spirit perfectly. Fans traveled from as far as Detroit, New York, and even overseas to be part of it. Many shared stories of how Nipsey’s music changed their lives, pushing them to chase dreams and take risks. They left Marathon Burger not only with full stomachs but with renewed motivation to carry his message into their own lives.
Recognition in the Food World
Marathon Burger hasn’t just been embraced by fans—it has earned critical acclaim. Within weeks of its launch, Eater LA listed it among the Best New Burgers in Los Angeles, while the Los Angeles Times praised both its food and cultural impact. Such recognition shows that this isn’t just a passion project riding on Nipsey’s name; it’s a legitimate culinary destination.
This early success has already led to expansion. A second location has opened on Venice Beach, bringing the spirit of “The Marathon Continues” to a whole new audience. Positioned along the iconic boardwalk, this branch connects Nipsey’s legacy to the diverse, global visitors who flock to Los Angeles’s coast.
The Deeper Meaning of “The Marathon Continues”
For Nipsey’s supporters, “The Marathon Continues” has always been more than a slogan—it’s a philosophy of resilience, persistence, and progress. Marathon Burger embodies that ethos. It transforms the simple act of eating into a ritual of remembrance and celebration.
Every order placed, every burger grilled, every seat filled is a quiet affirmation that Nipsey’s impact didn’t end with his music. It lives on in businesses like this, in the opportunities created for employees, and in the sense of unity fostered among customers.
Food as Cultural Storytelling
Restaurants have long been more than places to eat; they are storytellers of culture. Marathon Burger is a prime example of how food can be a vehicle for identity and history. By choosing to open a restaurant, Nipsey’s family has expanded the canvas of his legacy from music and fashion into cuisine.
This storytelling resonates on multiple levels. On one hand, the menu celebrates flavors that align with L.A.’s diverse food culture. On the other, the very existence of the restaurant tells a story of empowerment—Black-owned businesses claiming space, creating opportunities, and redefining narratives in a city where gentrification often threatens to erase cultural landmarks.
Looking Ahead: The Future of Marathon Burger
Given the overwhelming reception, the future looks bright for Marathon Burger. Expansion beyond Los Angeles is already part of the conversation, with fans across the country expressing their hopes for new locations. The combination of cultural weight and culinary quality positions it as a brand with both local and national potential.
But no matter how far it grows, the essence will remain rooted in Nipsey’s vision. As Blacc Sam has said, “This isn’t just about burgers—it’s about the movement.”
Conclusion: More Than a Meal
At its core, Marathon Burger is proof that legacy can be carried in many forms. Nipsey Hussle’s music inspired millions, but his influence also planted seeds in entrepreneurship, community empowerment, and cultural pride. Marathon Burger is one of those seeds, now blooming into a landmark that feeds both body and soul.
Every line outside, every glowing review, and every shared story affirms what Nipsey himself preached: the marathon truly continues. Through food, through culture, through ownership, and through the love of a community that refuses to let his vision fade, Marathon Burger is much more than a restaurant—it is a movement.
