On my recent foodie adventure, I found myself at Kewpee Hamburgers, where I could conveniently place an order any time of the day, be it breakfast, lunch, or dinner. They even had a specially tailored menu just for breakfast, how cool is that?
It was fascinating to learn that Kewpee bears a rich legacy. Founded back in 1923 by Samuel V. Blair in Flint, Michigan, it claims the title of the second oldest fast food restaurant chain in the US. I felt like I was stepping back in time as I discovered that Kewpee was among the pioneers of curbside service in the restaurant business, later innovating with drive-in and drive-thru services.
The first location in Flint, Michigan, became a landmark in its own right as it separated from the rest of the chain and remained under the stewardship of Blair.
The year 1928 saw the establishment of another Kewpee outpost in Lima, Ohio becoming the domain of Hoyt “Stub” Wilson. To this day, this Lima location serves as the headquarters of Kewpee – a sweet vestige of past times.
The original name “Kewpee Hotel” is a fun fact I came across. The establishment owes its charming title to the Kewpie Doll, which was a popular comic strip doll, created by Rose O’Neill in the early 20th Century. I recommend checking out more about this iconic eatery at their official website [here](http://kewpeehamburgers.com/).
Where Can You Find a Kewpee?
Currently, Kewpee restaurants dot the landscape in the United States only, with a meager total of five units. Three of these are their official restaurants located in Lima, Ohio. The other two are franchises residing in Racine, Wisconsin, and Lansing, Michigan where it's called 'Weston’s Kewpee Sandwich Shop'.
What Sets Kewpee Apart?
The uniqueness of Kewpee lies in their fresh output. My hamburger comprised of meat raised locally in Lima, Ohio, where their headquarters nestles. I was thrilled to know that the delightfully succulent patty was made fresh daily, with no room for freezing or palming off old meat - a common issue in the fast food industry.
Another notable aspect of my Kewpee experience was the connection to history. Imagine relishing a burger from a joint that's been on this earth for nearly 100 years! Now that's something.
Their diverse events are yet another highlight. I was lucky enough to be there during Februcherry and indulged in their specially made cherry pies.
Is Kewpee Spicy?
For those of you who favor mild flavors, rejoice for Kewpee doesn't do spicy. But if you like your food with a kick, don't be disappointed as you have the option to add banana peppers or jalapeños to your burger.
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