As Kalamazoo loses two Wendy’s locations, concerns are growing statewide. Afterall, Wendy’s founder Dave Thomas spent his early years growing up in Kalamazoo and was even inspired to start his own burger chain after working at a beloved Kewpee Hamburgers downtown near Burdick and South.
Although Thomas’ time in Kalamazoo was brief, it clearly left a major impact on him, and eventually the entire nation! What does the future of Wendy’s in Michigan look like?
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Fun Fact : The first Wendy’s franchise in Michigan opened in Kalamazoo in 1974. Its operator, William Van Domelen , later founded the popular Michigan-based Hot ’n Now chain.
My, how times have changed– Hot ‘n Now is making a return, having opened their first new location in over 20 years in Wayland, MI last year, and now Wendy’s plans to close up to 350 underperforming stores.
Sadly, we can now confirm two Wendy’s locations in Kalamazoo County have been affected by this most recent round of closures.
I was scrolling through social media when a post from my local Kalamazoo Facebook group caught my eye:
Why did the Wendy’s on Gull Rd close? Scared of the Chick filet opening??? — Sonja V.…