Islands
A Hawaiian-themed burger restaurant from Los Angeles, with surf names on every burger.
About Islands
Tony DeGrazier got the idea for Islands while stationed with the US Navy on Oahu in the 1960s. He opened the first restaurant in West Los Angeles in May 1982, with a tropical theme meant to evoke the Hawaiian idea of ohana, family, and burgers named after surf spots and waves.
It built its name on burgers, fresh-cut fries and specialty drinks, and grew to more than 50 restaurants across the Southwest. The original West LA branch closed in 2018 over rising rent, and DeGrazier retired in 2020, but the chain has kept its island theme and its no-franchise policy.
Dozens of restaurants in Southern California and the Southwest. The company does not franchise.
Burger menu
Signature burgers first. Only burgers and sandwiches, no sides.
Where to find Islands
16 locations on the map. Tap a pin for directions.Loading the map…
Locations as mapped by OpenStreetMap volunteers, updated October 2026. The count can trail the chain’s own figures; check the chain’s store finder before you travel. Map data © OpenStreetMap contributors.
If you like Islands
Chains whose signature burgers are built the same way.- Burger King (United States, since 1953). Flame-grilled since the 1950s, and still defined by one burger. Also built on beef and cheese.
- Sonic Drive-In (United States, since 1953). Order through a speaker from your car and a carhop brings the burger. Also built on beef and cheese.
- Big Smoke Burger (Canada, since 2007). Toronto’s burger-and-poutine joint, named after the city’s nickname. Also built on beef and cheese.
- Braum's (United States, since 1968). An Oklahoma burger and ice cream chain that milks its own cows and bakes its own buns. Also built on beef and cheese.
Not affiliated with Islands. Trademarks and logos belong to their owners. Descriptions are my own; nutrition figures come from the chain’s published information, checked September 2026.