Phat Daddy’s Burger Stand Celebrates 8 Years of Community & Resilience in L.A
Los Angeles, CA–Phat Daddy’s, a beloved Black woman-owned burger stand in Los Angeles has reached a major milestone, celebrating eight years in business earlier this month. Surviving a global pandemic and the fast-changing landscape of Los Angeles, Phat Daddy’s has become a staple of the local community, known not just for its food but for the powerful story behind it.
Surviving the COVID-19 pandemic when so many small businesses were forced to close left Phat Daddy’s Owner Mimi Phillips with what she describes as a “sense of survivor’s guilt.” Yet she used that time to lean in—to refocus on what mattered most. Her journey is deeply rooted in personal transformation. Like a phoenix, Phillips used her lived experiences to fuel her growth and become a positive force in her community.
“I really came from nothing,” she shares. “Watching my parents struggle and going through my own challenges—being out here in the streets, moving too fast, and dealing with everything that’s designed to tear you down or make you lose—I was able to rise above that.”
Phillips recently stepped away from her role at Metro on good terms, making the decision to focus full-time on her business and growing family. Her role at Metro, while fulfilling, demanded time she could no longer afford to split. After welcoming her daughter a little over a year ago, she says motherhood has strengthened her purpose and sharpened her vision.
“I chose to step away from my role at Metro to focus on my business and the most valuable asset I have: my time,” she says. “I could not give my daughter the time she needs, grow my business, and work at Metro. The one that had to go was them,” she says with honesty. “I left on a good note. I told them—I gotta come back to y’all.”
Nestled quietly on 48th street near Arlington in South Los Angeles, the stand is more than just a burger joint—it’s a family affair. Her mother and uncle can often be found working behind the counter, helping keep the business grounded in the values it was built on. For the owner, family and community are inseparable parts of her success.
“We know our customers. We grow with them. That connection matters.”
Even though Phillips has stepped away from Metro, productivity remains a top priority. Now more than ever, she is focused on building a stable future—not just for herself but for her daughter.
“I’m always trying to stay one step ahead of the economy. You just never know what’s coming,” she explains. “Make sure you have a nest egg for a rainy day.”
Now, as her business enters its ninth year, she’s more committed than ever to growing her legacy—not just for herself, but for the generations that follow. In a city where small businesses often struggle to survive, this woman-led, family-run burger stand continues to thrive, anchored by values of resilience, love, and community.
One of the key lessons she says has guided her throughout the years is simple but powerful: the customer is always right. It helps mitigate issues, retain loyal customers, and show people that you care. That’s how you last in a city that’s always changing.
