Blake & Britt Around Town: Kalamazoo’s Root Beer Stand, 93 years strong

KALAMAZOO, Mich. (WOOD) — Famous for its namesake, the Root Beer Stand remains a Kalamazoo-area staple nearly a century after opening.

The drive-in fast food joint, located on Westnedge Avenue near Kilgore Road, has served generations of customers successfully in part due to its popular food staples.

“We have a very simple menu,” said server Adrian Bannister. “The specialties are hot dogs — chili dogs (with) mustard and onions is the favorite. We also have cheese dogs and ham sandwiches.”

But it’s the beverage on the sign that has built up the brand.

“We make our own root beer,” Bannister said. “It’s a really big hot spot in the summertime for a lot of families and people who have been coming here for decades and generations.”

That was a common theme among those who grabbed lunch there Thursday, including Melissa Huff, who made the drive up from Vicksburg with her daughters.

“Ever since I was a little kid, my mom would bring me and my dad. We always came,” she said. “Love this place — great hot dogs and root beer.”

“It’s a unique experience and we love it,” said Rick Sechrist, who was in from Battle Creek and made the stop. “The cold mugs and the chili dogs are to die for.”

Besides the drive-in experience — which includes trays that latch on to car windows — the low cost has built a loyal customer base. For example, a hot dog and mug of root beer will put you out $4.20.

“They keep the prices pretty low,” Huff said. “It’s cheap and easy to come to, and it’s nice to be able to pop in and sit in your car and relax and have a good meal with your family.”

The Root Beer Stand is cash only. It opens for the season in February and closes in October. In addition to its location on Westnedge Avenue, there’s a second Kalamazoo location on Portage Street near Cork Street.

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