MAYOR KAREN BASS, LOS ANGELES WORLD AIRPORTS WELCOME MARATHON BURGER AND KOGI BBQ TO LAX TERMINAL 1

Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass joins representatives from Los Angeles World Airports, ASUR Airports and Concord Collective for a ribbon-cutting ceremony celebrating the grand opening of Marathon Burger and Kogi BBQ at LAX Terminal 1.The two iconic local brands bring an authentic taste of Los Angeles to travelers as part of LAX's ongoing efforts to elevate the guest experience. (Los Angeles World Airports / ASUR Airports)

LOS ANGELES - Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass and Los Angeles World Airports (LAWA), in partnership with ASUR Airports and Concord Collective, today announced the arrival of two iconic Los Angeles brands, Marathon Burger and Kogi BBQ to Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) Terminal 1. The openings mark the first phase of a refreshed dining and retail program that brings the city's bold flavors, culture and energy directly to airport guests.

The Crenshaw Marching Band set the tone for a high-energy ribbon-cutting celebration featuring local officials, Marathon co-founder Samiel "Blacc Sam" Asghedom and Kogi BBQ co-founder Chef Roy Choi. The festivities continued with a performance by 1500 or Nothin' while Marathon Burger and Kogi BBQ food trucks treated airport employees to signature menu items on the airfield ramp.

"Marathon Burger and Kogi BBQ embody the best of LA's culinary and cultural excellence. Now, visitors from around the world will be able to experience them the moment they land," said Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass. "Our ongoing investments at LAX are centered on creating a world-class travel experience that introduces travelers to the best parts of Los Angeles. Today is a celebration of that."

From local restaurants and retailers to public art and cultural programming, LAWA is focused on making LAX a true reflection of Los Angeles. The addition of Marathon Burger and Kogi BBQ advances that vision by bringing two homegrown brands with deep community roots into Terminal 1.

"We're on a mission to put the 'LA' in LAX, and I can't think of a better way to start than Marathon Burger and Kogi BBQ," said John Ackerman, Chief Executive Officer of Los Angeles World Airports. "These brands are about more than great food. Visionary chef Roy Choi's launch of Kogi helped shape LA's street food culture, and Marathon carries forward Nipsey Hussle's legacy of entrepreneurship and community pride. Bringing them to LAX gives travelers a real taste of our city."

Marathon Burger builds on the legacy of The Marathon Brand, founded by late rapper, entrepreneur and activist Nipsey Hussle - a Native Angeleno - in 2010, and carried forward by his family and team, including his brother, Samiel "Blacc Sam" Asghedom. The flagship restaurant, which opened on Melrose Avenue in 2025, is known for its Marathon Burger - a made to order Wagyu smash burger with a special seasoning, house made fresno peppers and secret sauce.

At LAX, Marathon Burger will offer a quick-service experience with burgers, fries, hot wings, cocktails and breakfast. Inspired by the values of ambition, craftsmanship and community that defined Nipsey's vision, the brand reflects the entrepreneurial spirit of Los Angeles. Travelers can also shop Marathon merchandise at a new pop-up retail store in Terminal 1.

"We are honored to have this opportunity to bring Marathon Burger to LAX Terminal 1," said Samiel "Blacc Sam" Asghedom. "We are appreciative to be able to allow travelers to experience our burgers right when they touchdown in LA. To be able to expand and have this be our fifth location is a huge blessing."

Kogi BBQ brings one of Los Angeles' most influential culinary success stories to LAX. Co-founded by Chef Roy Choi in 2008 as a single food truck serving Korean short-rib tacos to late-night crowds, Kogi redefined Los Angeles' rich street food scene and has since become a nationally recognized brand.

The Terminal 1 location captures the spirit of the original Kogi truck experience, offering its signature Korean-Mexican favorites designed for travelers on the go, including tacos, burritos and quesadillas, alongside a full bar program.

"From the streets to the skies, Kogi is eternal. I can't wait to see faces light up when they see Kogi at the airport," said Roy Choi, Kogi BBQ co-founder. "And now travelers can bring a Kogi burrito in their jacket pocket back to their hometowns. We are a local family running a local company feeding a local community. We at Kogi always try to rep LA and our community to the fullest. So, what better way to ride for everyone than to represent street food at LAX as the gateway to LA. Thank you to everyone who got us here. We love you and hopefully you see a part of yourselves in Kogi at the airport!"

Since acquiring the Terminal 1 food court program in 2021 from an international concessions operator, Concord Collective has focused on bringing authentic Los Angeles brands to travelers, with Marathon Burger and Kogi BBQ emerging as natural partners.

"We want guests to immediately know they're in Los Angeles," said Greg Plummer, Managing Partner and CEO, Concord Collective. "These are authentically local brands with deep roots in the community, and that's exactly the kind of experience we want to create at LAX. This is our moment. This demonstrates what a local operator can accomplish when given the opportunity to think big and deliver something truly distinctive for LAX."

Today's grand opening marks the first milestone in a broader effort by LAWA and ASUR Airports to elevate the guest experience by introducing new brands and refreshing more than 25 shopping and dining locations across Terminals 1, 2, 3, 6, and Tom Bradley International Terminal.

"With bold flavors, powerful stories, and deep Los Angeles roots, Marathon Burger and Kogi BBQ embody the local authenticity we seek to deliver across our portfolio, said Maral Matossian, ASUR Airports Vice President, LAX. "Bringing these concepts to LAX not only gives guests an unmistakable taste of Los Angeles, but also showcases the local entrepreneurs, creativity, and culture that make this City second to none. In the lead up to the 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games, we're prouder than ever to collaborate with Los Angeles World Airports and our concessions partners to deliver new enhancements, experiences, and amenities that put the LA into LAX."