Watts institution Hawkins House of Burgers fighting to stay open amid dispute with Caltrans

Sunday, June 27, 2021
WATTS, LOS ANGELES (KABC) -- After surviving this past year amid a pandemic, a legendary burger place in Watts now has another fight on its hands.

The family-owned Hawkins House of Burgers is an institution in the community. For 82 years, it has stood on the corner of Slater Street and Imperial Highway.
[Ads /]
"My grandfather built this place 80 years ago and now they're telling me in 2021, after...a major pandemic, that my building is encroaching on state property and I (have) to remove it within 60 days," said Cynthia Hawkins.

A week ago, Hawkins received a letter from the California Department of Transportation letting her know her building is encroaching on a portion of land owned by the state. That piece runs directly through her family's corner market and restaurant's kitchen.

Caltrans has signaled a willingness to work with Hawkins. In a letter dated November 18, 2019, the agency asked if she was interested in purchasing the property. She checked the box "yes" and wrote beside it: "absolutely."

In the meantime, Hawkins' customers are rallying in support of the restaurant.



"We have to find a solution for them to be able to stay here because the community loves this place and we need this place here." said customer Andre Williams.
[Ads /]
Hawkins has set up a GoFundMe page in the hopes of raising money to purchase the land, if given the opportunity.

In a statement to Eyewitness News, Caltrans said it has been working with Hawkins to resolve the encroachment issue, adding: "Caltrans is pausing plans to sell the leased property through public auction so we can work with Hawkins on a resolution to help prevent any disruption to her business."

Copyright © 2024 KABC Television, LLC. All rights reserved.