Old School Roots.
New School Vibes.
Serving Metro Detroit's Best Burgers Since 1970.
Our roots truly depict the American Dream and all its glory. The Famous Hamburger brand, going strong since 1970, is a full-service restaurant serving fresh burgers, wraps, salads, and irresistible hand-spun shakes. Historic wall art with a modern feel sets the stage for Famous Hamburger restaurants. Merging the historic foundations of the brand with its modern setting gives Metro Detroiters the perfect choice when choosing where to grab a great burger with friends and family. Locally sourced beef, fresh produce, and hand-rolled artisan bread are some of the many traits that Famous Hamburger prides itself on.
Our Roots: How Did Famous Hamburger Get Started?
So, you’re probably asking yourself, what’s the famous story behind our roots? Over 45 years ago, Phillip Hider and his father returned to Beirut, Lebanon from the United States, bringing with them a visionary dining concept that would plant the initial seeds of our business heritage. In 1968, Hider and his father were the first to introduce the idea of a classic American burger joint to Lebanon, establishing the very foundation of our roots.
The restaurant was first called “Little White Castle.” As business began to boom, the bombs from the civil war intensified. Hider decided to relocate his family and restaurant to a safer location in Downtown Beirut. As Hider began scouting for locations, the locals already seemed to know him as “the burger guy.” They had become “Famous” for their burgers in that short period of time. The decision was made to change the name, and the Famous Hamburger brand was officially established in August of 1970, permanently defining our roots in culinary history.
As the years passed, the tragedy of Beirut began to unfold. By the mid-to-late 80s, the city had become too dangerous to live in. In 1989, Hider, along with his family, arrived in the United States in hopes of a better life. We dynamically transplanted our roots to Detroit, Michigan in March of 1997. In order to accommodate a rapidly growing clientele, Famous Hamburger was relocated to a larger location in July of 2005 and began offering franchise opportunities. Today, Famous Hamburger continues to receive generous media attention and has grown a cult-like following while staying completely true to where we started.
Famous Hamburger now has locations in Downtown Dearborn, Canton, Farmington, and Plymouth, Michigan. We are incredibly proud to see our spaces recognized among the staple culinary destinations that shape the diverse Metro Detroit food scene on Eater Detroit, celebrating the rich flavors of our community. From all three generations of the Famous Hamburger family, we thank you for allowing us to share our humble story with you. We invite you to stop by your nearest location today to experience our heritage firsthand, or contact us to learn more about our menu and catering services!