StormBurger, a black-owned burger chain founded by Hooters franchisee Mike Storm and Inglewood chef Myron Moore, is getting ready to expand throughout Los Angeles with a new location coming to Long Beach and possibly one coming to Compton.
The restaurant opened its first location in December 2024 at 500 N. La Brea Ave. in Inglewood, inside a former home of Church’s Chicken, setting the foundation for its expansion strategy. The company is now in the process of opening its second location in Long Beach, taking over another former Church’s drive-thru site at 5801 Cherry Avenue, which closed in December 2024, according to LongBeachize. It’s unclear exactly when this location will open, but it’s expected to be sometime in Summer 2025.
This marks the brand’s second lease, with a third currently in progress for a location in Compton. StormBurger’s expansion model targets second-generation drive-thru properties vacated by larger chains, using existing infrastructure to streamline development and lower costs. Chains like Jack in the Box, Church’s, and Arby’s have been closing several locations in Southern California. Retail tenants have left 2.7 million more square feet than they’ve rented over the past year, according to CoStar. StormBurger is capitalizing on some of these empty spaces as it expands.
StormBurger’s menu features patties made from a blend of chuck, brisket, and steak trimmings. Their fries and onion rings have received notable praise, including recognition from Eater LA editor Mona Holmes, who called them “some of the best in the region.” The menu also includes classic cheeseburgers and a variety of dipping sauces. StormBurger focuses on takeout and drive-thru service, with limited on-site dining.
The StormBurger on La Brea Avenue in Inglewood opened before December 2024