Two new restaurants just landed at Los Angeles International Airport’s (LAX) Terminal One, which serves airlines including JetBlue and Southwest. Roy Choi’s Kogi BBQ and Marathon Burger, which is operated by the late rapper Nipsey Hussle’s brother, Samiel “Blacc Sam” Asghedom, opened in the terminal’s main food court in late October. The new restaurants join other dining options in the terminal such as Urth Caffe and Reilly’s Irish Pub.
Kogi, Choi’s food truck that blends Mexican and Korean cooking, was founded in 2008 and gained a cult following for its short rib tacos, quesadillas, and more. It previously operated a location at LAX’s Terminal Four from 2014 to 2015. At its Terminal One outpost, Kogi serves Korean barbecue short rib, spicy gochujang-marinated pork, sweet garlic teriyaki chicken, and tofu in tacos and burritos. Quesadillas get layered with kimchi, cheddar, and Jack cheese; caramelized onions, spicy pork, and salsa verde; and soy-garlic chicken, caramelized onions, and sweet chile sauce. Other dishes included fries topped with kimchi and cheddar cheese, short rib sliders, and the Kogi dog with caramelized kimchi-sesame mayonnaise.
Nipsey Hussle launched Marathon as a lifestyle brand in 2010; he operated other businesses around Los Angeles, as well, and supported South LA entrepreneurs until he was murdered in 2019. In 2024, his brother Asghedom debuted Marathon Burger as a pop-up. Today, Marathon Burger slings its signature wagyu smash burgers in West Hollywood, Venice, Canoga Park, and Long Beach. At the LAX location, expect Marathon’s classic double smash burger with grilled onions, plus a full breakfast menu, beer, wine, and cocktails.
