There’s No Other Fast Food Restaurant In The World Like This One In Michigan
When we think back to the ’80s, it brings up images of big hair bands, legwarmers, and lots of hairspray. But there’s one restaurant that will bring Michiganders straight back to 1984 – Hot ‘n Now. For most of us, that magical decade is just a memory, but you can still order a cheeseburger at the iconic fast-food joint in Sturgis, Michigan. No other former chain restaurant has a cult following quite like this nostalgic favorite.
The last remaining Hot ‘n Now location is near the border of Indiana in southwest Michigan.
Hot ‘n Now was founded in Kalamazoo in 1984 and the fast-food chain’s popularity exploded to more than 100 locations across the country. In the '90s, burgers sold for just 39 cents, which was below competitors' prices.
In 1990, PepsiCo acquired the restaurant chain and its downfall began. Locations started closing left and right, leaving a void in Michigan towns. By 2004, the company filed for bankruptcy.
Michiganders remember visiting the now iconic drive-thru restaurant in the '80s and '90s. But Hot ‘n Now doesn’t have to remain a memory; you can still take a drive down to Sturgis and order the delicious and nostalgic fast food you remember.
The locally owned and operated restaurant is drive-thru only, which is part of its charm. There is a selection of burgers, including the classic cheeseburger, olive burger, and mushroom burger.
Many folks will plan a road trip just to visit this special retro time capsule. So the next time you’re looking for something to do on a weekend, head south to get a taste of the good old days.
Emily Tieman is a lifelong Michigander and has a love for locally owned small businesses. She is a freelance writer for Only In Your State and has her own vintage content creator business.
