Since its creation in 1995, Poly Burgers has played a pivotal role in Poly’s off-campus culture.
The burger joint, located two blocks to the right of Poly, frequently attracts students with its inexpensive, salty fries and student-friendly atmosphere.
Anyone who steps into Poly Burgers on a weekday afternoon can observe the swarms of Poly students laughing and sharing their paper sacks full of french fries, burgers and sandwiches.
Yukon Oh originally bought the building as “Tomy Burgers,” but changed the name of his restaurant when he found customers were confusing his business with a franchise of the same name.
“I thought about many names, and since this block of businesses is often called the ‘Poly Plaza.’ I asked the school if I could use the name Poly Burgers, and they said yes,” explained Oh.
The name change simply labeled the business’s already well-established relationship with Poly students, and gave it stronger ties to the school.
“I come here four to five times a week,” said junior Jimmy Ruiz, as he sat with a few of his friends at one of the tables outside of Poly Burgers. “It’s convenient and you get a lot [of food].”
When asked about the nature of a restaurant where the main customers are students, Oh answered with a smile.
“Since the beginning, students respect Poly Burgers, they listen if I request something, they act respectfully, just like they do in school. Customers think they look wild, that they look eccentric, but they don’t harm anybody.” Thank goodness for that, since
Poly students are Poly Burger’s most loyal fans. Poly Burgers has a culture of its own. One woman, whom everyone knows as ‘Mama G,’ sports a black security jacket and calls herself the protector of the students who come to eat at Poly Burgers.
“Mama G is our protector. She takes care of us,” explained senior Amanda Martinez, a regular of the restaurant.
Oh estimated that Mama G has been visiting Poly Burgers for more than 10 years. Her presence adds to the idiosyncrasies of Poly Burgers that make it an integral part of the Long Beach community.
Poly Burger has also given back to the Poly community.
“Over the many years, I’ve tried to support Poly by donating to the ethnic clubs, football, baseball, basketball, and track,” said Oh, “It’s not much, but I try.” In fact, every year Poly Burgers donates a $1000 scholarship to Poly students.
Regardless of whether it’s the food or the faces, the students keep coming back.
“I’ve always considered it a must if you go to Poly,” said junior Maria Palaroan, as she licked a soft-serve ice cream she had just bought from Poly Burgers.
“Yea, if you go to Poly, you go to Poly Burgers,” chimed in junior Jeffrey Lam, waving a fry.
As much as Poly Burgers is loved for its consistencies, Mr. Oh said he is trying to improve his menu with the addition of healthier options.
“Now many people look for healthy food- we have chicken salad and veggie bowls,” said Oh.
While Poly Burgers may be including new items on their menu, it seems as though Oh is confident that his business doesn’t need to drastically change. He knows students will keep coming back for the food they’ve always loved, and Poly Burgers will continue to be an iconic tie between the school it’s named after and the surrounding Long Beach community.
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