Little Tavern's Slogans & Taglines

Little Tavern Shops was a chain of hamburger restaurants founded in 1927 by Harry F. Duncan in Louisville, Kentucky. The first Washington, D.C. location opened in 1928, followed by Baltimore in 1930, and the chain rapidly expanded across the Baltimore-Washington metropolitan area. At its peak, approximately 50 Tudor-style "hamburger cottages" operated in the region, distinguishable by their steeply pitched green roofs, white porcelain enamel panels, and ornate decorative hardware. Duncan sold the chain in 1981, and after several ownership changes and declining market share, the last location closed on 29 April 2008. The Laurel, Maryland location was subsequently reopened as Laurel Tavern Donuts, preserving the original slider recipe.

Core offerings included small, square slider burgers with onions, dill pickles, and mustard, sold at five cents apiece during the early years. Most locations were take-out only, with limited counter seating. Brand messaging centred on the iconic tagline Buy ’em by the bag, while signs promised Cold Drinks & Good Coffee. The chain was also known as "Club LT" among local teenagers, reflecting its status as a beloved regional fast-food institution.