January 19, 2021 Dining

The Companies You Didn’t Know had Santa Monica Headquarters

Given its proximity to Hollywood, you might not be surprised to hear that Santa Monica is home to many well-known film, music and tech companies. But did you know that it also introduced the world to Fatburger? We appreciate its industry diversity. Enjoy this sampling of some of Santa Monica’s most prominent businesses.

Lionsgate Films

Lionsgate brought you some of the most successful films in the last five years, like The Hunger Games series, La La LandDivergent, and Wonder. Its headquarters are just a few blocks north of Bergamot Station.

Roaming Hunger

This food truck booking service allows you to find food trucks in real time, book trucks for upcoming events, and connect with trucks for marketing purposes.

Activision

Founded in 1979, Activision Publishing, Inc., was the world’s first independent developer and distributor of video games for gaming systems. You can thank them for introducing you to Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater, Guitar Hero, the James Bond series, and Crash Bandicoot, among many others.

Impulse! Records

Legendary saxophonist and composer John Coltrane was one of this jazz record label’s first signees. The company is now a subsidiary of Universal Music Group’s jazz holdings.

Fatburger

In 1942, Lovie Yancey lovingly named a burger joint after her boyfriend–calling it “Mr. Fatburger.” She dropped the “Mr.” in 1952, and slowly grew an empire–Fatburger now exists in 20 countries, and is known for its celebrity partnerships with Queen Latifah, Kanye West and E-40.

Beachbody

You’ve seen its perky, athleisure-clad influencers all over Instagram, and now you know where it got its roots! The multinational fitness empire was founded in 1998 in Santa Monica, also just a few blocks east of Bergamot Station.

Hulu

If you haven’t watched Hulu’s adaptation of The Handmaid’s Tale, what are you doing with your life? We’d recommend booking yourself a studio king at The Ambrose, and binging it in Hulu’s hometown–it’s the ultimate staycation.

Planning a visit to Southern California? Learn more about our hotel here, so that you can experience Santa Monica for yourself!