A Korean American family-owned restaurant in Altadena, Fair Oaks Burger, has reopened six months after closing due to the Eaton Canyon wildfire. The reopening marks a hopeful step in the neighborhood’s recovery from the January disaster.
The restaurant hosted a celebratory reopening event on June 14, welcoming local residents with food and gratitude. Ki-Sun Lee (81) and Jungja Yoo (75), who have run the restaurant for 38 years, were all smiles as they served 1,000 meals, including hamburgers, sandwiches, and teriyaki chow mein.
Although the wildfire in January devastated surrounding buildings, Fair Oaks Burger was miraculously spared from direct fire damage. However, utility service disruptions and ash buildup made operations impossible, forcing a prolonged closure.
“It’s been such a hard six months, but we’re deeply moved and grateful to reopen,” said Lee, thanking both the local community and the Korean American population for their support. Yoo added, “I never expected so many people to come today. We could reopen only because of all your help.”
The couple’s daughters, Janet and Christine, now manage the business and organized the reopening event. “It feels like we’ve finally put down a heavy burden,” said Janet Lee. “I hope more people can join in rebuilding our neighborhood with a positive spirit.” Christine Lee noted, “We’re not fully ready yet, so I’m nervous. But thinking about how we could give the community hope gave me the courage to go through with it.”
Oliver Smith, a customer of seven years, shared his joy: “I’m thrilled Fair Oaks Burger made it through. I hope it becomes a symbol of our town’s comeback.”
José Mota, a well-known baseball broadcaster formerly with the Los Angeles Angels and now with the Los Angeles Dodgers, made a surprise visit to the event. A longtime friend of the Lee family, Mota said, “I wanted to surprise the family today. This place gives the community hope.”
Since the fire, Fair Oaks Burger has collaborated with various organizations on local recovery efforts. Among them is Food for Health, a food assistance nonprofit. Starting on March 7, the restaurant has hosted a weekly Saturday farmers market in its parking lot. To date, the initiative has helped more than 450 households, and a special market was held alongside the reopening festivities.
Carlos Marroquin, Program Director of Food for Health, noted, “It was hard to find a venue for the market. Many places said no, but Fair Oaks Burger generously opened their space for the community.” He added, “Altadena is recovering—thanks to Fair Oaks Burger.”
A longtime neighborhood hub, the restaurant has now become a symbol of renewal.
Local lawmakers also expressed their gratitude. State Senator Renée Pérez (District 25) and Assemblymember John Harabedian (District 41) sent official commendations, recognizing Fair Oaks Burger for providing support during challenging times.
Lee shared his hopes for the next chapter: “Our daughters will continue running the restaurant and serving the community. We want to give back as much as we’ve received.” Yoo concluded, “They’re doing well now, and I hope they continue living with a spirit of giving.”
BY KYEONGJUN KIM [kim.kyeongjun1@koreadaily.com]
