June 1, 2025 Breaking News, Latest News, and Videos

Last Days to Eat a Bite of Santa Monica Burger History at Big Jo’s

Restaurant to close October 17 

By Sam Catanzaro

Burger joint Big Jo’s, a Santa Monica institution for over 65 years, is closing in the coming days.  

According to owner John Lee, the restaurant, located on the corner of Broadway and 20th Street, will close on October 17. Since Lee announced the closure on social media this week, there has been an outpouring of support from the community.

“There is so much love. People have such an attachment to this place,” Lee said. “The food has just been really good and consistent. For me, when I eat it, it makes that connection to old-school-style burgers. It’s not like something you can get at a Shake Shack or one of these $20 gourmet burgers. It just kinda has its own unique flavor.”

John, his wife Joy, and her sister Hanalani took over the restaurant in 2016 from Joy’s aunt, who had run the restaurant for around 20 years.

“It used to be an old service station back in the 1940s and the original Big Jo…converted into a burger joint,” John said. “From then on it was passed through generations and decades from owner to owner. It’s been in our family since maybe late 1999 or early 2000, and it was transferred to us in 2016.”

According to John, the landlord is selling the property, forcing Big Jo’s out.

“Even Big Jo’s can’t survive the changing environment of new developments in Santa Monica,” John said in a press release announcing the closing. “This is a typical mom-and-pop joint. I think there was one of these in every city back in the day, but now the world has been changing so you don’t see too many of these restaurants anymore.”

John pointed to a development underway a few blocks east on Broadway and Cloverfield as an example of the way Santa Monica is changing.

“It’s kinda inevitable. It’s just the way the world is changing. I mean big developments. You see the new development down on Cloverfield? I feel like they are just going to duplicate that over here. I am not sure who the new buyer is or landlord is but this is a total redevelopment site and you know, I don’t think there is much the city can do, “John said. “I mean what can they do? Not allow builders and developers?”

John says that despite the fact Big Jo’s will be leaving the corner of 20th Street and Broadway later this month, he and his wife hope to relaunch in a new location.

“We have nothing concrete but me and my wife we decided, seeing the outpouring [of support].. .to figure something out,” John said.

Follow @Big_Jos_Burgers or www.bigjosburgers.com for updates and announcements on their future plans to relocate and re-open.

<>Related Posts

Defensible Space, Defined: How A Plus Tree Protects Communities from Wildfire

May 30, 2025

May 30, 2025

In the wildfire-prone landscapes of the Western United States, safeguarding homes and communities requires proactive measures. A Plus Tree, a...

Westside Ballet to Present Spring Showcase and Gala Featuring NYCB Stars This Weekend

May 30, 2025

May 30, 2025

The Huntley Santa Monica Beach Community Service Award will go to first responders from Los Angeles and Santa Monica in...

Salt & Straw Unveils Summer Pie Series with Five Seasonal Ice Cream Flavors

May 30, 2025

May 30, 2025

Five New Flavors Inspired by Classic Summer Pies Will Be Introduced Salt & Straw is giving summer a scoopable twist with...

Palisades Village to Reopen in 2026 with Revamped Retail, Dining, and Community Spaces

May 29, 2025

May 29, 2025

Elysewalker Set to Return With Park Reconstruction, Holiday Events, and Streetscape Upgrades Palisades Village, the open-air shopping and lifestyle destination...

(Video) Signs That Your Aging Loved Ones Are in Need of Caregiving

May 29, 2025

May 29, 2025

To Find Out More, Go To Safelyhomeagain.com To Find Out More, Go To https://t.co/ZcOduvaP03 pic.twitter.com/9E2uPzzZO6 — Santa Monica Mirror (@SMMirror)...

(Video) Last Thursday Concert Series Kicks off at Venice Boardwalk

May 29, 2025

May 29, 2025

The shows happen at Dudley Ave. at the pergolas on the north end of the boardwalk The shows happen at...

Santa Monica Public Library Launches Summer Reading Program to Promote Literacy

May 29, 2025

May 29, 2025

Running from June 14 through August 16, the program encourages participants of all ages to track their reading progress and...

Film Review: Jane Austen Wrecked My Life

May 29, 2025

May 29, 2025

FILM REVIEWJANE AUSTEN WRECKED MY LIFERated R98 MinutesReleased May 30th Jane Austen Wrecked My Life is a refreshingly simple and...

Burger Chain Tied to Late Rapper Nipsey Hussle Announces Venice Boardwalk Location

May 29, 2025

May 29, 2025

The announcement marks the brand’s expansion from its Fairfax District debut earlier this year Marathon Burger, a new franchise honoring...

Levain Bakery Debuts ‘Levain à la Mode’ with Local Ice Cream Partners for Summer

May 29, 2025

May 29, 2025

Seasonal Offering With Wanderlust Creamery is a First in Cookie Shop’s History For the first time in its three-decade history, Levain...

Bay Cities Italian Deli Responds to Health Code Closure, Commits to Corrective Action

May 29, 2025

May 29, 2025

Santa Monica Landmark Disputes Rodent Claims but Acknowledges Violations Bay Cities Italian Deli, a Santa Monica staple renowned for its...

(Video) Interviews with Rick Caruso and Elyse Walker, with a Dennis Quaid cameo

May 28, 2025

May 28, 2025

We spoke at the Press Conference to announce plans to reopen Palisades Village Shopping Mall. Actor Dennis Quaid arrives to...

(Video) Shoreside Restaurant Unveiled by Santa Monica’s Shore Hotel

May 28, 2025

May 28, 2025

Guests can expect dishes like the Harris Ranch Prime Filet, along with plates like the California Yellowtail Crudo and Superior...

Santa Monica Landlord to Pay $685K in Tenant Harassment Lawsuit

May 28, 2025

May 28, 2025

The settlement, announced Tuesday, resolves allegations of tenant harassment and discrimination under the city’s Tenant Harassment and Housing Anti-Discrimination ordinances...

Film Review: Bring Her Back

May 28, 2025

May 28, 2025

By Dolores Quintana Grief is the price of love.  Danny Philippou and Michael Philippou’s second feature film, Bring Her Back,...