Featured Business of the Week: Marathon Burger—From Melrose to Long Beach, Continuing a Legacy of Culture, Community & Great Food

by Maiyah Jimenez

Los Angeles has no shortage of iconic food spots, but few rising brands carry cultural weight and community pride the way Marathon Burger does. Inspired by the entrepreneurial blueprint of Nipsey Hussle and the spirit of The Marathon Continues, this fast-growing burger concept has become a staple on Melrose Avenue—and now it’s officially expanding to Long Beach in 2026.

🔥 Marathon Burger on Melrose: A Cultural Staple in the Heart of LA

The Melrose location isn’t just a place to eat—it’s a reflection of LA culture. With its bold visuals, street-style influence, and commitment to community-driven branding, Marathon Burger embodies the same energy Nipsey championed: ownership, consistency, and creating opportunities in your own backyard.

Regulars love:

The Marathon Classic — the signature crispy-edged smash burger
Their rotating specialty fries
Their handcrafted shakes that hit every time

Melrose has become a hub where food, creativity, and culture intersect—mirroring the entrepreneurial streets of Crenshaw & Slauson where Nipsey built his legacy.

🌊 Long Beach Expansion: The Marathon Continues in 2026

I used to live in LA, but now I'm in Long Beach, so I'm super excited about the expansion. In true “growth with purpose” fashion, Marathon Burger is bringing its next location to Long Beach, introducing South LA County’s coastal communities to one of LA’s most talked-about burger spots.

The new Long Beach location is expected to feature:

The full Melrose menu
Expanded outdoor seating
Late-night hours
A design that blends LA street culture with Long Beach’s creative coastal vibe

This expansion isn’t just about business—it’s about spreading a cultural movement that started in LA and continues to influence new neighborhoods.

🌟 Honoring Nipsey Hussle’s Legacy Through Community & Ownership

Nipsey Hussle’s impact on Los Angeles extends far beyond music. His dedication to economic empowerment, community reinvestment, and Black ownership continues to inspire entrepreneurs across the city—including brands like Marathon Burger.

The brand’s growth reflects Nipsey’s message:

Build locally. Reinvent your community. Create something that outlives you.

As Marathon Burger moves into Long Beach, it carries forward the spirit of resilience, creativity, and entrepreneurship that Nipsey championed.

The marathon truly does continue.

✨ Why South LA & Long Beach Will Embrace Marathon Burger

This expansion aligns perfectly with what locals value—authenticity, culture, and businesses that give back. South LA County and Long Beach have always supported brands that reflect the neighborhoods they serve, and Marathon Burger fits that mold effortlessly.

Expect: