Longest-running drag-themed restaurant franchise
- Who
- Hamburger Mary's
- What
- 52 year(s)
- Where
- United States
- When
- 01 December 2024
The longest-running drag-themed restaurant franchise is Hamburger Mary’s (USA), which has been serving food and staging drag performances since 1972. As of December 2024, 52 years later, the franchise comprised restaurants across the USA in eight locations: Dallas, Denver, Kansas City, Las Vegas, Long Beach, Ontario, Toledo and West Hollywood. The very first Hamburger Mary’s opened in San Francisco, California, USA.
Before the COVID-19 pandemic, the franchise boasted 20 restaurants.
Hamburger Mary’s host drag performances almost every day, whether it be a “Dining with the Divas” show, a drag brunch, a drag bingo or "MaryOke-Karaoke". Popular items on the menu include the Queen Mary Burger, the Barbarella-Que Burger and the homemade Mac Balls.
Before rising to fame, many RuPaul’s Drag Race stars started at Hamburger Mary’s, including Detox, Alexis Mateo, Trixie Mattel. Many famous drag queens still perform regularly at various Hamburger Mary’s locations, including Jasmine Masters, Morgan McMichaels and Q.
From left to right: Allusia, Jewels Long Beach, Dale Warner, Sparkle Stone, Kristinia Minka, Ruben Lopez and Joe E Jeffreys. Credit: Lucas Gordon