Iconic MI Burger Chain Mounts Comeback With New Summer Location Planned

MICHIGAN — A once-popular Michigan fast-food burger joint is planning to open its first new location in decades this summer.

Hot 'n Now, which was known for its cheap sliders, plans to open its first new spot at 1146 129th Avenue in Wayland, across the street from Gun Lake Casino. Wayland is roughly halfway between Kalamazoo and Grand Rapids.

The new spot will include a drive-thru and the restaurant's iconic red metal roof.

Once that spot opens, it will operate from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Sunday through Thursday, and from 10:30 to 1:30 a.m. Friday and Saturday.

The restaurant is also planning a new location at 320 Johnson St. in Alpena. Construction is set to begin soon for that spot, and officials are planning for an October opening.

Hot 'n Now's revival is thanks to a partnership between Gun Lake Investments and Alpena business owner and developer Jeff Konczak formed HNN Holdings LLC, which acquired the Hot 'n Now name last October.

"The Hot 'n Now brand has a multi-decade history of providing value to families, so we intend to honor that history in this next chapter with our hyper-value focused pricing," said Monica King, CEO of GLI.

Officials said customers will see the restaurant’s signature items on the menu, such as The Olive Burger and Cheesy Taters, along with their wallet-friendly prices.

"Rather than limiting affordability to a few items, our entire menu will be priced to accommodate a wide range of households and incomes," said Jeff Konczak, Owner of B Cubed Manufacturing. "We are confident that consumers will see this new chapter as the logical next iteration of the Hot ‘n Now brand."

Hot 'n Now was founded in Kalamazoo and in 1984 and saw success through that decade and the 1990s when its popular sliders sold for just 39 cents. The restaurant had locations in Indiana, Wisconsin and Michigan, including metro Detroit spots in Taylor and Roseville.

Ownership of the chain changed hands several times over the years before it filed for bankruptcy in 2004.

There is already a Hot ‘n Now in Sturgis, which is in far Southwest Michigan near the Indiana border. The restaurant is independently owned.