Ann Price, owner of Ann’s Snack Bar and creator of the famous “Ghetto Burger,” passed away on Saturday at age 72. No cause of death was given, but Gregory B. Levett and Sons Funeral Home has posted her obituary at this link.

Price, or Miss Ann as she was known to countless customers, rose to national attention in 2007 when the Wall Street Journal named the “Ghetto Burger” (a double cheeseburger with bacon, grilled onions, ketchup, mustard and chili) the best in America. Price had operated her Snack Bar on Memorial Drive since 1971.

Along with the legendary burgers, Ann’s Snack Bar was infamously known for the long wait for service and the proprietor’s rules (No cursing in the snack bar!). Since only eight people could sit at the counter at one time, the wait could be two hours or more – even for a take-out order. Miss Ann called customers in as seats opened up, and anyone trying to break that rule was given a sharp rebuke. But Miss Ann was also charming and attentive to the customers sitting at her counter and enjoying her food.

Watching Miss Ann make the burgers and fries from a seat at the counter was part theater and part throwback to an era when what is now considered “fast food” was prepared with attention to taste and detail rather than watching the clock. You might have to take a three-hour lunch break to experience Ann’s Snack Bar – and it was an experience – but it was worth the wait.

As longtime fans of Miss Ann and her burgers, we at Atlanta INtown extend our condolences to Price’s family and friends.