Clown Burger is a family-owned burger restaurant in Haltom City owned by Renee Medford. Founded in 1959 and initially operated by Bill Louthan, it has always maintained a strong connection to the community.
The restaurant feels like a time capsule, adorned with nostalgic items from the 20th century, such as pictures of Elvis Presley and old coin machines. Dining at Clown Burger is like traveling back in time, and its smash burgers will remind you of a simpler past.
“The story starts in the summer of 1963. Having just finished Haltom Middle School my parents told me if you want a car you better find a job. I applied at Clown Burger on Belknap Street. After a short interview, George Stafford, the owner, hired me. And so the journey began. Evidently I was doing a good job. I had been working about two months and we were finishing up on a Saturday evening. George was cleaning out the cash register as usual. He handed me the money box and told me ‘I’m going to Galveston to go fishing. Think you can manage the Cl for me?’ Being 14 years old that made me feel so grown up,” Louthan recalls in a letter displayed inside the restaurant.
“The Clown has enabled me to better the lives of lots of adults and kids in this area as well as hundreds of kids in three different countries, Cambodia, Guatemala, and the Philippines. Softball has been the common thing that has allowed me to make a difference. I have helped kids in many different ways, some of which included helping kids get through school, food supplies, clothing, medical needs, and pretty much whatever was needed to better their situations. Heck, I even had a small house built for a young boy and his aged grandmother who was his caregiver,” Louthan continued.
Renee Medford became the owner of Clown Burger in 2023. Her family has a rich history of entrepreneurship, currently operating two Dixie Houses in the Fort Worth area of Tarrant County.
Since taking ownership, Medford has made several improvements, including renovations and maintaining a consistent weekly schedule.
“You know, the older I get, the more I enjoy all the history behind it. The more I research here, the more I love it,” Medford told The Dallas Express.
“So many memories and so much memorabilia. I am truly intrigued,” she added.
Medford aims to provide the community with delicious smash burgers while serving Haltom City.
However, like any business, Clown Burger has faced challenges.
Due to inflation and a recent decline in customer turnout, Clown Burger has encountered difficulties. Medford shared with The Dallas Express that product prices have more than doubled, leading her to make some adjustments.
“I’m telling them to cut that air conditioner off over there and shut that door if we’re not busy. But they have to suffer because this air conditioner cools better than the one in the other area,” Medford explained.
Despite these challenges, the community rallied to support Clown Burger.
After hearing that the restaurant needed help, Fort Worth resident Jon Bonnell took to social media, urging the community to come out and try their delicious burgers. The post went viral, garnering over 1,300 likes and over 800 shares. People began to show up in droves.
“I hear Clown Burger is having a rough time lately. If you’ve never tried it, trust me, it’s an experience! A really cool old-school joint that’s been around forever with great smash burgers,” Bonnell posted on Facebook.
The overwhelming support from the community was heartwarming.
“One of the best burgers I’ve ever tried when I was in the area,” Hector Tanguma Hernandez commented on Facebook.
“My FAVORITE BURGER PLACE,” Mariah Keefer added.
Elected officials such as Tarrant County District Clerk Tom Wilder also showed support for Clown Burger.
Medford is grateful for the community’s support.
“We’re going to make it; it’s going to be all right. I look forward to doing even more—that’s always been my goal,” Medford told The Dallas Express.
On October 25, Clown Burger hosted a Halloween Trunk or Treat event for local kids. Families showcased their cars, passed out candy, and enjoyed Clown Burger’s offerings.
The restaurant also plans to host an annual food and Christmas gift drive.
“At Clown Burger, we’re committed to giving back to our community, and we need YOUR help to make a difference this holiday season!” the Clown Burger Facebook page states.
Additionally, Clown Burger is organizing a “Finest Annual Blanket Drive” on November 16, which will collect new and used blankets for people experiencing homelessness.