For those who grew up in the Midwest during the 1980s and 1990s, Hot ‘n Now Hamburgers was more than just a fast-food chain—it was a rite of passage. They were known for their lightning-fast service, budget-friendly burgers, and distinct drive-thru-only model.
Hot ‘n Now carved out a niche that resonated with burger lovers across the region. However, the brand’s meteoric rise was met with an equally swift decline, leaving just one remaining location in Sturgis, Michigan.
Thanks to new ownership, Hot ‘n Now is attempting a comeback, bringing hope to nostalgic fans eager to relive their favorite burger experience.
A Personal Hot ‘n Now Memory
Hot ‘n Now Hamburgers is just a very tiny blip in my history of burgers, but I do have one fun story about Gerther and me. We had seen Hot ‘n Now on the outskirts of the Sawgrass Mills Mall but didn’t make an attempt to grab a bite. We were aware that they had some sort of deal that involved a sack of burgers, fries, and a drink for some very nominal price, like $5.
Flash forward a few weeks, and we were headed to Orlando with my parents just to hang out for a few days. Our stomachs rumbled, and I suggested a Hot ‘n Now food challenge.
These food challenges were common occurrences among our friends back in the day. We would test each other to see who was the king of the mountain. On this occasion, the challenge was to eat the sack of burgers, which included 10 cheeseburgers along with fries and a drink.
The original plan was to eat this during the three-hour road trip to Orlando from Miami. As it turns out, I got the early lead. I was about four burgers in when I looked over and saw Gerther just unwrapping his second burger.
I clicked into overdrive, and before you knew it, I was on my 10th burger. Gerther was probably around number four. Having already finished my fries, my drink was more than halfway gone, and to ensure that he had no chance to beat me, I ate one of his burgers. As our favorite arcade game then, NBA Jam would say, “Final nail in the coffin.”
I never ate there again and thought of Hot’ n Now Hamburgers occasionally, mostly because I didn’t remember whether I enjoyed it. But it’s nice to hear they’re making a comeback because I’d like a second shot—a second shot at eating one of their burgers, not the challenge. I’m undefeated, baby!
The Rise and Fall of Hot’ n Now
Founded in Kalamazoo, Michigan, in 1984, Hot’ n Now Hamburgers quickly expanded throughout the Midwest, boasting over 150 locations at its peak. The chain’s claim to fame was its affordability—burgers, fries, and shakes priced to compete in the fast-food industry’s budget-conscious segment.
Its streamlined menu and drive-thru-only setup allowed for quick service and low operational costs, helping it gain a dedicated following.
However, as competition intensified and corporate changes took place, Hot ‘n Now struggled to maintain its foothold. By the early 2000s, locations began closing rapidly, leaving the brand nearly extinct.
The last surviving outpost in Sturgis became a pilgrimage site for die-hard fans, serving as a reminder of what once was.
A New Era for Hot’ n Now
Fast-forward to 2024, and Hot ‘n Now Hamburgers is officially back in business. HNN Holdings LLC recently acquired the brand. Their goal is to revive the brand while staying true to its original mission of delivering quick, affordable, and delicious burgers.
The comeback plan includes two new locations in Michigan—one near Gun Lake Casino in Wayland and another in Alpena. Set to open in the summer of 2025, these locations will retain the signature drive-thru-only format while incorporating modern operational improvements. The goal is to recreate the classic Hot ‘n Now experience while ensuring efficiency and quality in a fast-changing industry.
What Fans Can Expect
Hot ‘n Now‘s revival promises to return its simple menu, focusing on classic items that made it famous. While details are still emerging, fans can anticipate the return of favorites like the Olive Burger, fries, and milkshakes—all served with the same no-frills, fast-paced service that defined the brand back in tha day.
The new ownership is also exploring ways to modernize the chain without sacrificing its nostalgic charm. Whether this means digital ordering enhancements or slight tweaks to the menu, one thing is sure—Hot ‘n Now will continue prioritizing affordability and speed, just like it did in its heyday.
The Road Ahead
The comeback of Hot ‘n Now is not just about reviving a brand; it’s about rekindling a shared memory for thousands of Midwesterners who once made late-night burger runs or grabbed a quick meal with friends. With a fresh start under new leadership, the future looks promising for this beloved burger joint.
For fans eagerly awaiting the grand reopening, summer 2025 can’t come soon enough. Will Hot ‘n Now‘s resurgence be as successful as its original run? Only time will tell, but one thing’s certain—Midwest burger lovers will be first in line to find out.
…sounds like it’s time for another multi-state road food trip!
Former Hot ‘n Now Hamburger Locations
Florida
| Florida Cities | Address |
|---|---|
| Coca Beach | 3665 N. Atlantic Avenue |
| Davie | 2800 SW 64th Avenue |
| Melbourne | 2414 N. Wickham Road |
| Merritt Island | 240 W. Merritt Island Causeway |
| Miramar | 3700 S. State Road 7 |
| Naples | 4800 Golden Gate Pkwy |
| Sunrise | 1970 Sawgrass Mills Center Road |
Michigan
| Michigan Cities | Address |
|---|---|
| Kalamazoo | 3904 S Westnedge |
| Kalamazoo | 2325 Sprinkle Road |
| Kalamazoo | 1560 Drake Road |
| Lapeer | 880 S. Main Street |
| Midland | 2111 S Saginaw Road |
| Muskegon | 954 W. Sherman |
| *Muskegon | 2315 Apple |
| Niles | 1320 Hickory? |
| Port Huron | 3650 Pine Grove |
| Saginaw | 3588 Bay Road |
*50th location
What Happened to Hot ‘n Now Video
