Gott's Roadside Hits LA
California's beloved Gott's Roadside opened its first LA location at The Grove, bringing signature burgers, fries, and milkshakes plus upgraded salads and wine service. The expansion marks Gott's as go-to casual dining for high-quality fare, perfect for post-workout refueling. Represents the chain's push into major metro markets beyond Northern California.
Before it was Gott's, the beloved roadside stand in St. Helena was Taylor's Refresher, a 50-year-old local institution. In 1999, brothers Joel and Duncan Gott, who grew up in the wine industry, took over the humble spot on Highway 29, aiming to elevate classic American fare with high-quality, locally sourced ingredients. The reimagined menu went beyond basic burgers, introducing items that would become signatures, like the Ahi burger made with sushi-grade tuna, which debuted in 1999 and helped define Gott's as a different kind of burger joint. This commitment to quality and innovation earned the restaurant a prestigious James Beard Foundation Award as an "America's Classic" in 2006, recognizing its timeless appeal and quality food. The LA location at The Grove, the first outside of Northern California, features expansive patio space and communal seating, reflecting the brand's casual, community-focused vibe. A unique feature for this outpost is a dedicated soft-serve window, offering organic Strauss Family Creamery treats, a nostalgic nod to the classic roadside experience. For its Los Angeles debut, Gott's is partnering with local purveyors to maintain its fresh-ingredient promise, sourcing from vendors like Cream Co. Meats, Pacific Fresh Fish Co., and Larder Baking Co. This move is part of a larger Southern California expansion, with a second, 6,600-square-foot location already planned for Santa Monica, slated to open in the summer of 2026.
