Once a household name in the Midwest’s fast-food scene, Hot ‘n Now is staging a sizzling comeback — with new locations set to launch across Michigan for the first time in decades.
Known in its heyday for 39-cent sliders and bold value pricing, the nostalgic burger joint is reviving its brand under new leadership and updated business plans, including drive-thru innovation and prefab restaurant builds.
🚨 Where Is Hot ‘n Now Coming Back?
The first new location will open this summer in Wayland, Michigan, at 1146 129th Avenue, directly across from Gun Lake Casino and behind the Noonday Market. A second site in Alpena is also confirmed, with construction already underway and an opening expected by October 2025.
The Wayland restaurant will operate:
- Sunday–Thursday: 10:30 a.m. – 10:00 p.m.
- Friday–Saturday: 10:30 a.m. – 1:00 a.m.
💡 Who’s Behind the Revival?
Hot ‘n Now’s rebirth is being powered by a new joint venture:
HNN Holdings LLC, a partnership between Gun Lake Investments (GLI) — the economic development arm of the Gun Lake Tribe — and Alpena developer Jeff Konczak of B Cubed Manufacturing.
GLI acquired the Hot ‘n Now name in October 2024, aiming to reboot the chain with its signature low prices and famous Olive Burger, Cheesy Taters, and more.
“Rather than limiting affordability to a few items, our entire menu will be priced to accommodate a wide range of households and incomes,” said Konczak.
🛠️ A Smarter Way to Rebuild Fast Food
The new locations are being developed with plug-and-play construction — prefab buildings built offsite in Alpena, then delivered and assembled at their final destinations. Each unit includes:
- 737 sq ft drive-thru footprint
- Iconic red metal roof
- Rapid setup design
This approach is part of a strategic effort to scale efficiently and revive the brand in more towns across the state and potentially beyond.
🧠Why Hot ‘n Now Still Matters
Hot ‘n Now once operated dozens of locations across Michigan, Indiana, and Wisconsin, gaining a cult following in the 1980s and 90s for:
- Ultra-low prices (sliders for 39¢!)
- Speedy drive-thru service
- Quirky burger innovations (like the Olive Burger)
But after multiple ownership changes, the brand filed for bankruptcy in 2004. Only one independently owned location in Sturgis, Michigan survived the fallout — until now.
🧠What This Means for Franchise Investors
While Hot ‘n Now is not franchising just yet, its return signals a larger trend of vintage fast food brands being reborn with modern strategies:
- Small-format buildings
- Modular construction
- Value-priced menus
- Strategic tribal investment partnerships
This comeback proves there’s still market demand for retro burger brands with loyal regional followings — especially when paired with next-gen business models.
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