Where The Jobs Are: Fatburger Hiring 200 Employees Across Southland
LOS ANGELES (CBSLA.com) — Work can be especially rewarding when you're a fan of the company's product.
Jose Hernandez was recruited to work for Fatburger seven years ago and soon found he loved the food he was preparing.
"When I first tried the Fatburger I actually became a Fatburger fan," Hernandez said.
He was hired as a chef leader, moved up to assistant manager, then general manager and became a supervisor in the training department.
"I have seen the growth nationally and internationally," said Hernandez, who supervised local openings of several Fatburger franchises, as well as franchises in Maui and Dubai.
"In order to be successful, we need to take successful people with us, to model and teach the locals how we want Fatburger," Vice President of Operations James Newell said.
Fatburger got its start in 1952 when Lovie Yancey opened a hamburger stand on Western Avenue in Los Angeles.
"It was actually a shack. It was a stand. People would walk right up to the counter," Newell said.
The original stand is no longer in operation but was preserved in a building complex.
There are currently more than 100 Fatburgers around the world.
There are 30 locations in Southern California, with franchises opening soon in the Crenshaw District, Beverly Hills, Lake View Terrace and in Koreatown. It translates into 200 job openings.
All of the new locations will be co-branded with Buffalo Express, the new hot wings side of the business.
"Obviously, we encourage all of our franchises to be paying above minimum wage," Newell said. "Other positions pay much more, and there are opportunities to start at the manager level."
Hernandez offered advice for those looking to start a career with the company: "I would suggest to them to be humble and follow directions. I have learned through life that, when I've done that, money and respect comes around without you asking."
For more information about Fatburger and job openings visit www.fatburger.com.