- Attraction: Hot ‘n Now
- Location: 609 S Centerville Rd, Sturgis, MI 49091
- Industry: Restaurant
- Website: Facebook Page
Step into a time machine disguised as a drive-thru window. Hidden along a busy stretch of highway in Sturgis, Michigan sits something truly extraordinary – the last operating Hot ‘n Now restaurant on Earth.
What once numbered over 150 locations across 15 states has dwindled to this single outpost, making every burger served here a piece of living fast-food history.
Founded in 1984 in nearby Kalamazoo, Hot ‘n Now exploded across the Midwest with its revolutionary 39-cent burgers and lightning-fast drive-thru service. After corporate struggles, ownership changes, and a 2004 bankruptcy, only this Sturgis location survived.
Today, it operates independently as a beloved local institution that draws pilgrims from across the country seeking a taste of nostalgia they simply cannot find anywhere else.
Menu Highlights That Transport You Back In Time
The Legendary Olive Burger: This is the crown jewel that keeps longtime fans making annual pilgrimages to Sturgis. You’ll get a perfectly grilled burger loaded with black olives, lettuce, tomato, pickles, cheese, and mayo on a lightly toasted bun. The combination of savory olives with the classic burger fixings creates a flavor profile that’s uniquely Michigan and absolutely addictive.
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Keep Exploring →Double Olive Deluxe: For serious olive burger enthusiasts, this upgraded version packs twice the beef with the same beloved olive-forward toppings. The grilled bun adds a satisfying crunch that perfectly complements the juicy patties and generous helping of olives that make each bite memorable.
Cheesy Taters: These aren’t your average tater tots. Hot ‘n Now’s signature side features crispy potato bites with a subtle cheese coating that brings back childhood memories for anyone who grew up with the chain. While some wish for more cheese flavor, the nostalgic factor makes them irresistible.
French Fries That Outshine The Competition: You’ll discover fries that consistently earn praise for being superior to major chains like McDonald’s and Burger King. They arrive hot, crispy, and seasoned just right – the kind of fries that make you understand why people drive hours for this experience.
Triple Stacker: For hearty appetites, this towering burger creation delivers three beef patties with all the fixings. It’s become a favorite among visitors who want to maximize their once-in-a-lifetime Hot ‘n Now experience.
Fried Pickle Spears: A modern addition that adds a spicy kick to the retro menu. These crispy, tangy treats come four to an order and provide the perfect complement to any burger combination.
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Discover MoreMassive Milkshakes: The strawberry milkshake arrives in an enormous 32-ounce serving that’s large enough to share (though most people tackle it solo). It’s rich, creamy, and indulgent enough to create lasting memories of your visit.
Atmosphere & Iconic Design
Classic Drive-Thru Experience: You’ll pull into the same distinctive slanted-roof building design that made Hot ‘n Now instantly recognizable across the Midwest. The narrow driveway leads to an old-school speaker system with a lighted menu board – no fancy digital displays here, just authentic 1990s charm.
Nostalgic Architecture: The building maintains its original iconic silhouette that once dotted highways from Michigan to Texas. Many former locations were converted to other restaurants or demolished, making this survivor a true architectural artifact of fast-food history.
Parking Lot Dining: While strictly drive-thru service, you’ll find a few parking spaces where you can pull off and enjoy your meal in your car while soaking in the atmosphere of this unique destination.
Busy But Efficient: Despite long lines of curious visitors and nostalgic locals, you’ll experience surprisingly quick service that maintains the chain’s original promise of fast, efficient food delivery.
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Keep Exploring →Other Considerations
Pilgrimage-Worthy Pricing: You’ll find prices have naturally increased from the original 39-cent burgers, but the cost remains reasonable for fast food. A typical meal runs under $10, making it an affordable way to experience a piece of disappearing Americana.
Road Trip Destination: Many visitors drive 2-3 hours specifically to experience this culinary time capsule. The location sits conveniently near I-94, making it accessible for travelers passing through southern Michigan or northern Indiana.
Limited Hours: You’ll want to plan your visit between 10 AM and 10 PM daily, though hours can vary. Calling ahead ensures you won’t miss out on this once-in-a-lifetime dining experience.
Merchandise Available: You can purchase Hot ‘n Now t-shirts and memorabilia to commemorate your visit to the world’s last location. These items make perfect souvenirs for this truly unique attraction.
No Indoor Seating: The restaurant maintains its original drive-thru-only format, so come prepared to eat in your car or find a nearby park if you prefer dining outside your vehicle.
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Discover MoreHistorical Significance: You’re not just grabbing fast food – you’re participating in the preservation of a vanishing piece of American restaurant history that future generations may only read about in books.
Hot ‘n Now
📍 609 S Centerville Rd, Sturgis, MI 49091
