By Francisco Ramirez Jr. | July 15, 2025
Once a fast-food favorite across the Midwest, Hot ‘n Now is making a nostalgic return. After nearly vanishing from the national food scene, the burger chain is opening two new locations in Michigan later this year. The comeback is reviving memories of 39-cent burgers, slanted red roofs, and quick drive-thru service.
The first new location is set to open this summer at 1146 129th Avenue in Wayland Township, behind the Gun Lake Tribe’s Noonday Market. A second store will follow in Alpena this fall, located on Johnson Street next to a Biggby Coffee. Both restaurants will feature compact, prefabricated drive-thru buildings built by Alpena developer Jeff Konczak’s B Cubed Manufacturing.
Hot ‘n Now’s return is being led by HNN Holdings LLC, a partnership between Gun Lake Investments and Konczak. The modular design allows for quick construction and low overhead, aligning with the company’s long-standing reputation for speed, value, and simplicity.
Founded in Kalamazoo in 1984, Hot ‘n Now grew quickly with a focus on low prices and efficient service. At its peak, the chain operated more than 150 locations across 15 states. After a corporate acquisition by PepsiCo and a series of ownership changes, the brand struggled financially. By the early 2000s, most locations had closed. Until recently, only one restaurant remained in Sturgis, Michigan.
Now the brand is focused on rebuilding in its home state. HNN Holdings says it is considering additional locations in Michigan and is open to expansion in the future. Interest from potential franchisees has already begun to grow.
Although Hot ‘n Now is not returning to Hanford, where it once operated in the early 1990s near 12th and Lacey, the memory of its drive-thru burgers lives on for many Central Valley residents. With this comeback, fans across the country will be watching closely for what comes next.
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Francisco Ramirez
Francisco Ramirez Jr. is the founder of Kings Network News and creator of Kings Network Business, a platform focused on community engagement, local business support, and digital media innovation across California’s Central Valley.
A former Mayor of Hanford, California, Ramirez launched the popular Winter Wonderland event and brings more than 20 years of experience in business consulting, media strategy, marketing, and entrepreneurship. He is also a motivational speaker, strategist, author, podcaster, and experienced web and graphic designer.
Ramirez created The Invisible Kid: Courage to Succeed, an anti-bullying and self-esteem seminar that has inspired youth throughout the region. Through journalism, consulting, and community-driven projects, he continues working to inform, inspire, and empower others to grow, lead, and make a positive impact.
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