Heavy Handed’s Expansion: A Must-Visit Burger Spot Lands in Silver Lake, Los Angeles

Heavy Handed Brings Smash Burgers to Silver Lake, Reimagining Former All Day Baby Space

Published: March 19, 2025

Silver lake, CA

The Silver Lake neighborhood is buzzing with anticipation as Heavy Handed, the popular smash burger destination, prepares to open its doors on March 28, 2025. The new location,situated at the corner of sunset Boulevard and Descanso Drive,takes over the space formerly occupied by All Day Baby,which closed in December 2024.This marks Heavy Handed’s third location in Southern California, solidifying its presence in the competitive Los Angeles burger scene.

co-founders Max Miller and Danny Gordon have worked swiftly to transform the 2,300-square-foot space into Heavy handed’s signature style.In just under 63 days, the beloved All Day Baby was revamped with the brand’s distinct bold orange, red, and graffiti-inspired aesthetic. Diners can expect to find Heavy Handed staples such as the short rib smash burger, beef-tallow fries, soft serve ice cream, and a curated selection of beer and wine.

Adding to the excitement,Heavy Handed will be launching retail sales of their popular sauces and pickle jars at all locations,starting on the Silver Lake opening day. This expansion into retail offers fans a chance to bring the Heavy Handed experience home.

The competitive Silver lake Smash Burger Scene

Silver Lake boasts a thriving culinary landscape, particularly when it comes to smash burgers. Heavy Handed enters a market already populated by highly-regarded establishments such as For The Win and Burgers Never Say Die. These existing players have cultivated loyal followings, setting a high bar for quality and innovation.

The arrival of Heavy Handed adds another layer of competition, potentially driving all establishments to further refine their offerings and enhance the dining experience. Consumers ultimately benefit from this increased competition,enjoying a wider variety of high-quality smash burger options.

Heavy Handed’s Expansion Strategy

The Silver Lake location represents the latest step in Heavy Handed’s strategic expansion across Los Angeles. The brand’s journey began with its original Santa Monica location in 2022, followed by the Studio City outlet in April 2024. Each new location allows Heavy Handed to reach a broader customer base and solidify its brand recognition.

Co-founders Danny gordon and Max Miller appear to be carefully selecting locations in vibrant, food-centric neighborhoods.this targeted approach allows them to tap into existing culinary enthusiasm and build a loyal following within each community.

Heavy Handed’s existing locations have garnered positive reviews and a strong social media presence, further fueling the anticipation for the Silver Lake opening. The brand’s commitment to quality ingredients, flavorful combinations, and a distinctive aesthetic has resonated with burger enthusiasts throughout the region.

Operational Details

Starting March 28, Heavy Handed Silver Lake’s hours will be 11:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily at 3200 Sunset Boulevard, Silver Lake, CA, 90026.

The Rise of the Smash Burger: A Culinary Trend

The smash burger has emerged as a dominant force in the fast-casual dining scene, captivating burger aficionados with its unique texture and flavor profile. Unlike traditional burgers, smash burgers are cooked by pressing the patty thin onto a hot griddle, creating a crispy, caramelized crust that enhances the beefy taste.

This cooking technique, combined with high-quality ingredients and inventive toppings, has propelled the smash burger to widespread popularity. Restaurants like Heavy handed have capitalized on this trend, offering a refined and elevated take on the classic American dish.

The appeal of the smash burger extends beyond its taste; it also offers a satisfying textural experience. The contrast between the crispy edges and the juicy interior of the patty creates a delightful sensation that keeps customers coming back for more.

As the smash burger continues to evolve, chefs are experimenting with different types of meat, cheeses, and toppings, further expanding the possibilities and solidifying its place in the culinary landscape.

Stay tuned for further updates and reviews following the grand opening of Heavy Handed Silver Lake on March 28th.

What are your favorite smash burger toppings?

Heavy Handed’s Silver Lake Smash Burger Debut: A Conversation with Culinary Director, Anya Sharma

Published: March 20, 2025

Silver Lake, CA

Archyde News recently sat down with Anya Sharma, Culinary Director at Heavy Handed, to discuss the highly anticipated opening of their new Silver Lake location. Heavy Handed, known for its acclaimed smash burgers, is set to open its doors on March 28th. we discussed the new location, their expansion strategy, and the booming popularity of smash burgers in Los Angeles.

Interview with Anya Sharma

Archyde News: Anya,thank you for joining us. The buzz around the new Silver Lake location is palpable. what made Heavy Handed choose this specific spot, previously occupied by All Day Baby?

Anya Sharma: Thank you for having me. Silver Lake is a vibrant neighborhood with a fantastic food scene. We’ve always admired the community and the energy here.When the space became available, it felt like a natural fit for Heavy Handed. We’re thrilled to bring our smash burgers to this area.

archyde News: the transformation of the space seems remarkably fast. Can you tell us a bit about converting it into the Heavy Handed aesthetic in under 63 days?

Anya Sharma: It was a collaborative team effort! We knew we wanted to capture that same bold orange, red, and graffiti-inspired look that our customers love. It involved precise planning and efficient execution, working incredibly close with our design and construction team. It was definitely a sprint, but so worth it to give the people of Silver Lake the Heavy handed experience.

Archyde News: Silver Lake already has a competitive smash burger scene. How does heavy Handed plan to stand out amidst establishments like Burgers Never Say Die and for The Win?

Anya Sharma: We respect our competition and are excited to be part of the community. We beleive our commitment to using high-quality ingredients, coupled with unique flavor profiles, creates a unique and unforgettable smash burger experience. We’re also excited to launch retail sales of our popular sauces and pickle jars, giving our fans a chance to enjoy Heavy Handed at home.

Archyde News: Speaking of expansion,this is Heavy Handed’s third location. what’s the overall strategy behind your growth in the Los Angeles area?

Anya Sharma: We’re focused on strategically selecting locations in vibrant, food-centric neighborhoods with loyal communities. Finding areas where we can contribute to the existing culinary landscape is a priority. It allows us to build a strong customer base.

Archyde News: The smash burger trend is certainly dominating the fast-casual space. What do you think is the key to its enduring popularity?

Anya Sharma: The combination of textures and flavors is key. The crispy, caramelized exterior of the patty, paired with the juicy interior and tasty toppings, creates an incredibly satisfying experience. It’s simple,delicious,and allows for endless culinary creativity.

Archyde News: what are you most excited for with the Silver Lake opening?

Anya Sharma: We are most excited to be welcomed into the Silver Lake community. We’re excited to meet our new customers and to hear their feedback on our burgers, fries, and our special pickle jars.We hope to become a local favorite!

Archyde News: anya, thank you again for your time and insights. Heavy Handed is poised to make a significant impact in silver Lake’s culinary scene. Readers, what are your favorite smash burger toppings? Share your thoughts in the comments below!