CZN Burak, or Burak Özdemir, shot to fame as the "smiling chef," winning millions of fans with his massive Middle Eastern feasts and his signature grin to the camera. Today, he's a global sensation ...

Oct. 16—When a Facebook post went up Oct. 9, the chatter ran faster than that of a busload of kids lined up to listen to a message from the Happy Chef statue. It was 60 years ago when the Frederick ...

MANKATO, Minn. - Like a spoon-toting Lady Liberty, for 50 years the Happy Chef has welcomed visitors to Mankato. For the last 20 - silently. But no more. Last Friday, the kitschy 38-foot statue got ...

Area readers believe the Happy Chef Restaurant statue should become part of Mankato's historic landmarks, according to a Free Press online question. Out of 326 total respondents, 262 — more than 80 ...

WATERLOO, Iowa --- First, the chef disappeared. Now this? Happy Chef restaurants in Waterloo and Cedar Falls are slated to close today, ending a nearly 40-year run in the Cedar Valley. Chuck Melby has ...

Minnesota's iconic Happy Chef may have only one restaurant left in Mankato, but the cheerful 16-foot statues keep the ...