All success stories start with a bit of inspiration, and that applies to big fast food chains too. Wendy’s, one of America’s most popular fast food chains, was launched by founder Dave Thomas on November 15, 1969. But Thomas had to have gotten the idea from somewhere. Legend has it that during his childhood in Kalamazoo, Michigan, he visited a neighborhood burger joint that inspired Wendy’s years later. This chain, although it has few locations left, is called Kewpee Hamburgers.
Kewpee Hamburgers has three locations in Lima, Ohio, one in Racine, Wisconsin, and another in Lansing, Michigan. Its mascot is a Kewpie doll, which the chain is named after. The chain is primarily known for its burgers, which are square-shaped like Wendy’s. Kewpee was founded in 1923 in Flint, Michigan, and during its peak in the 1940s, it had around 400 locations.
Kewpee’s menu is simple, featuring hamburgers, cheeseburgers, fish sandwiches, cheese sandwiches, fries, chili, shakes, and a few breakfast items. Small menus often indicate a restaurant’s focus on quality, so Kewpee likely delivers a great product. Despite modern-day expenses, the burgers remain affordable.
A single cheeseburger costs $3.45, and toppings like mustard, ketchup, pickles, onion, relish, lettuce, and tartar and cocktail sauce are free. A double cheeseburger is $6.40, and an order of fries is $2.20. Plus, eating at Kewpee supports a small chain that’s been part of American history for over a century.
One potential drawback of Kewpee is its doll mascot, which might be off-putting if you have a phobia of dolls. The Racine location even has a display of dolls. If you’re not a fan, you might prefer to sit at the counter. Despite this, the appeal of a classic cheeseburger often outweighs any discomfort.
The exact connection between Kewpee and Wendy’s remains unclear. If Dave Thomas ever officially cited Kewpee as an inspiration, that documentation is hidden away somewhere. However, it’s hard not to see the link when both chains feature square-shaped burger patties.