Born and raised in Sacramento, Bill and Stephanie Taylor, went to college in LA. The Original Tommy’s Burgers chili became such an obsession that they’d often bring a quart of the famous chili back to Sacramento. After moving back in 1984, they never forgot that chili. Inspired by both Tommy’s and another famous LA chain, Bill decided to bring both burgers north and created Willie’s in 1991. Like Tommy’s, Willie’s strives to provide both high quality and reasonable prices, made-to-order with fresh ingredients.
The original store at 16th and Broadway has a bit of the flavor of the original Tommy’s without having to stand in a parking lot eating at narrow shelves next to pigeons.
One of the first late-night spots in Sacramento, find chefs relaxing after their shifts, and when the Legislature is in session, find your representatives waiting in line. Everyone has always been welcome at Willie’s.
Fun fact: while Angelenos argue about who has the best chili in LA: Pinks or Tommy’s, it’s all the same chili.