Posted on 02/06/2015 5:18:21 PM PST by EveningStar
SAN DIEGO — Mike Hardin -- beloved burger master, philanthropist and owner of Hodad's, an Ocean Beach institution -- has died, leaving the community in mourning.
As news spread of his death, mourners gathered and left remembrances in front of the Ocean Beach restaurant on Newport Avenue, creating a makeshift memorial.
(Excerpt) Read more at utsandiego.com ...
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Here's the gist on Hodad's:
"While the restaurant, known for it's mammoth, juicy burgers, onion rings and thick shakes, has long been a popular hangout for locals, it wasn't until 2007 when Hodad's was featured on Guy Fieri's Food network program “Diners, Drive-ins, and Dives” that the lines out the door grew even longer. Like the seaside community in which it sits, Hodad's has a decidedly funky feel, with its humorous vanity license plates crowding the walls and surfboards suspended from its ceiling."
"Fieri on Friday tweeted to his followers, "RIP Mike Hardin 'boss man.' You helped the world in so many ways. We will miss you everyday."
Even Guy Fieri was taken aback. He was visiting his daughters. I wouldn't wish that on any one. Mike Hardin, RIP.
It still amazes me how people can suddenly just die.
It’s what causes PTSD
God can visit us anytime and say its our time.
No one could have anticipated this and it wasn’t foul play, by the looks of it.
For the people of San Diego, its a huge loss.
They just showed an episode on “Diners Drive in and Dives” a few days ago, seemed like a good guy..and to die so young..RIP
I’ve seen several shows about Hodad’s, including Guy’s.
At least one show rated it’s hamburger the best in the USA.
I know they have a sign saying: No Shoes. No Shirt. No problem!
They always have a long line.
Have you ever been to any of the Hodad’s locations?
You couldn't ask for a more decent and patriotic guy. Mike Hardin will be missed!
I didn’t know about all the TV and celebrity stuff, I didn’t realize that people outside of OB, or San Diego knew the place.
And few people knew how much he gave to serve those defending our country.
He had a big heart and he was beloved! Its sad such a good man was taken from us.
BTTT - didn’t know him...but bumping none the less
I was only familiar with the restaurant because of Diners Drive Ins and Dives..I live in LA they dont have Hodad’s here and Ive never been to San Diego so never ate there, they showed the guy on TV seemed like a nice guy, funny and down to earth, my condolences to his family
They supposedly have the best burger in the country. I’d sure like to try one. I live about 90 miles away.
They have a cult following.
Just good ol’ classic American comfort food that you would find at a 50s diner: burgers, fries and thick malt shakes.
If Im ever in San Diego I will be visiting Hodad’s for sure..they are very pro military from what I understand..such a huge loss..I hope they are able to determine what killed him..maybe a heart attack?
RIP. I used to eat there before it became so famous. Great burgers. For the last couple of years the waiting line is out on the sidewalk and around the corner.
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