Magic Johnson buys Fatburger

Wednesday, Oct. 3, 2001 | 9:57 a.m.

SUN STAFF AND WIRE REPORTS

LOS ANGELES -- Legendary Los Angeles Laker-turned-entrepreneur Earvin "Magic" Johnson, a Fatburger customer for 20 years, has placed the ultimate to-go order: He's buying the whole chain, fries and all.

"This is the best burger in town, but it's been undermarketed," said Johnson, adding that his own favorite is the turkey burger. "We're going to make it a household name (nationwide) and let people know about this great hamburger they've never heard of."

In Las Vegas, franchisee Kempf Enterprises, which had operated nine Fatburger outlets, was acquired by Johnson's Johnson Development on Aug. 14.

There are about 250 workers at the Las Vegas Valley locations.

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