News Summary
The nostalgic Hot ‘n Now burger chain is making a comeback in Michigan with new locations in Wayland and Alpena, led by Gun Lake Investments. The Wayland restaurant opened on August 26, 2024, featuring signature items like the Olive Burger and Cheesy Taters. Designed for rapid assembly, the restaurant emphasizes modern construction practices. This revival not only aims to provide affordable fast food but also honors the chain’s legacy. With plans to employ around 35 individuals, the new locations breathe new life into the region’s dining options and community connection.
Wayland, Michigan – The nostalgic Hot ‘n Now burger chain is making a comeback in Michigan with the opening of new locations, beginning with Wayland and followed by a second site in Alpena. This revival is spearheaded by Gun Lake Investments (GLI) and co-owner Jeff Konczak.
The first new restaurant opened its doors on August 26, 2024, with plans to finish construction and become fully operational by October. The Wayland location is strategically situated at 1146 129th Avenue, near the Gun Lake Casino, catering to both local residents and casino employees.
Designed using a “plug and play” construction method, the building spans 737 square feet, enabling rapid assembly on-site. This modular design was completed in a manufacturing facility located in Alpena before being transported to Wayland, reflecting modern construction practices aimed at streamlining operations.
The operating hours for the Wayland Hot ‘n Now will be from 10:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. Sunday through Thursday, extending until 1 a.m. on Friday and Saturday. The restaurant’s menu will feature signature items such as the Olive Burger and Cheesy Taters, all priced affordably to attract budget-conscious customers.
Gun Lake Investments is dedicated to fostering a diverse and sustainable tribal economy, with this venture aligning with their mission. Konczak, who specializes in pre-fabricated drive-thru restaurants through his company BCubed Manufacturing, will be integral in the construction and management of these new locations.
A second Hot ‘n Now is already in the pipeline for Alpena, with construction anticipated to begin shortly and an opening date set for October. This expansion signals confidence in the demand for affordable fast food in the area.
The revival of Hot ‘n Now is particularly interesting, as it honors the chain’s legacy. Originally founded in Kalamazoo in 1984, Hot ‘n Now once boasted over 100 locations across several states, becoming famous for its 39-cent burgers. This successful history sets the foundation for the current revival, which aims to provide great value and a sense of nostalgia to families.
To support this resurgence, the new locations expect to employ around 35 individuals, contributing to the local job market. The operational efficiency of BCubed’s drive-thru model has previously shown promise, having been successfully employed in other franchise settings, including Biggby Coffee.
The last remaining Hot ‘n Now, operated by Mike and Wanda Lesniak in Sturgis, Michigan, has expressed support for this new wave of locations, highlighting the brand’s rich history and community connections. This revival encapsulates a blend of past success and modern innovations in fast food service.
In conclusion, the return of Hot ‘n Now in Michigan signals a fresh chapter for both the brand and for those who cherish its legacy. As the new locations prepare to welcome customers, they aim to not only satisfy appetites but also revive fond memories associated with a beloved local chain.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
- Detroit Free Press: Hot ‘n Now Prices for New Store
- MLive: Hot ‘n Now Returns with New Restaurant
- Fox 17: Hot ‘n Now to Open New Location in West Michigan
- Click On Detroit: Hot ‘n Now Makes a Comeback
- Wood TV: Crews Install New Hot ‘n Now by Gun Lake
- Wikipedia: Hot ‘n Now
- Google Search: Hot N Now
- Google Scholar: Hot N Now
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Hot N Now
- Google News: Hot N Now
Author: STAFF HERE DETROITMI WRITER
DETROIT STAFF WRITER The DETROIT STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREDetroitMI.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Detroit, Wayne County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Movement Electronic Music Festival, Detroit Grand Prix, and America's Thanksgiving Parade. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Detroit Regional Chamber and Focus HOPE, plus leading businesses in automotive and healthcare that power the local economy such as General Motors, Ford Motor Company, and Henry Ford Health. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREGrandRapids.com, HERENorthville.com, HERENovi.com, and HEREPlymouth.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Michigan's dynamic landscape.
