Loyal customers responsible for Black owned restaurant 30-year survival
By Kenneth Miller, Publisher
SALUTE–From left Bryan Hood, Norma Hood, City of Hawthorne City Council Member Alex Monteiro, Richard Hood and State Senator Steven Bradford at B&R Burgers for its 30th Anniversary on July 13 at 3512 Rosecrans Ave. (KENNETH MILLER/PHOTO)
Norma and her husband Richard Hood opened B&R Burgers located at 3512 Rosecrans Ave. in Hawthorne some three decades ago to just offer some good old fashioned hamburgers and fresh cut homemade french fries.
On July 13, the Black business owners whose restaurant nestled between 7-Eleven and a laundromat on the south side of Rosecrans stood the test of time, surviving COVID shutdowns and nearby McDonald’s openings to celebrate its 30-year anniversary.
A white pop-up tent, gold and white balloons and a table in their lobby transformed by the COVID pandemic showcased glass framed pictures of bygone years as customers oblivious of the occasion stepped to the counter anc placed orders for those signature mouth watering burgers and fresh cut fries and that home brewed lemonade.
Named for sons, Bryan and Rashad, B&R Burgers welcomed elected officials led by Congresswoman Maxine Waters, State Senator Steven Bradford, City of Hawthorne City Council Member Alex Monterio who saluted the owners establishment for its momentous occasion.
Bradford who has termed out as Senator and is primed for a run for Lt. Governor praised the Hood’s and stated how critical it is for the survival of Black business.
“I think it’s critical because most people do not understand that the heart of our economy is small business, not major corporations. So, to have a small business like this, minority owned, family owned and been here for 30 years is critical and they survived the pandemic, and they have not only have provided good meals but also employment for people in their neighborhood so I think it is a testament of their commitment to their community and even more important the community support of this family owned business,” said Bradford who presented Norma and Richard with a Resolution.
Rep. Waters was represented by the potential predecessor to Bradford, leading Senate candidate and former Congresswoman Laura Richardson who presented the congressional certificate to the owners on behalf of the most revered Black federal official in America.
CONGRESSIONAL CERTIFICATE–State Senate Candidate Laura Richardson presents Richard and Norma Hood along with their sons Bryan and Rashad with a Congressional Certificate from Rep. Maxine Waters on July 13 at B&R Burgers for their 30th Anniversary. (KENNETH MILLER/PHOTO)
“We are here to make sure that you have the resources to be successful and we want you to know that we’re glad you’ve been existence because by having you here that gives us a presence in our community it offer a safe place where we have have food and anybody that has maintained a business for 30 years is well deserving our our thanks,” added Richardson.
Hawthorne City Council Member Alex Monteiro also presented B&R Burgers with a certificate from the City in recognition of the occasion.
In addition to serving burgers, B&R Burgers also offers a variety of items on the menu that includes shakes, pies, homemade breakfast entrees such as pancakes, chicken sausage and for those like me who have abandoned meat for a more healthy choice there is the delicious veggie burger and veggie tacos that are equally as flavorful.
For more information about B&R Burgers go to bandrburgers.com or call (310) 679-4774. Everyday at B&R Burgers is a celebration for your taste and appetite.
