When I mentioned to my friend Heidi that I was driving up to Lima, Ohio for a concert and looking for a quick meal, she suggested that I try Kewpee (pronounced Q-P) Hamburgers. A local chain which originated out of Flint, Michigan, this restaurant’s headquarters is now located in Lima. I was incredibly surprised by its history in the fast food industry.
The restaurant’s name is based on the popular early 1900s cartoon character, the Kewpie doll, named for the Cupid. From standing over the front door to overlooking the dining room from a corner, these petite, baby-like dolls seem to stare over the restaurant from every angle.
By the time I had arrived, there was a long line to order food, but I had some time before I needed to reach the concert .
Waiting in line, I couldn’t help but look at the decor of the restaurant and wondered when it had last been updated. The slogan, “Your Grandpappy ate here.” was over the door entering the kitchen made from vintage lettering that one would find on a group of mailboxes. Locals swear it is the “Hamburg-Pickle-on-Top-Makes -Your-Heart-Go-Flippity-Flop.”
Red benches along the side of the wall were full of patrons either eating or waiting on their order. The line was going fast and the restaurant was calling out a group of numbers for patrons to collect their meals.
Within fifteen minutes of waiting in line, the cashier, Matthew took my order and explained that it would be a ten minute wait. I confirmed that I would be eating my meal in the restaurant and found a seat close to the door to the kitchen until my order was completed.
By the 1950s, fast food restaurants and diners were opening through out the United States. Uniforms included white pressed shirts and the white hat which is still worn at all of the Kewpee Hamburger restaurants, taking diners back to another era.
As I picked up my tray, I could smell the combination of cooked beef and fried French fries. I hadn’t eaten all day so I quickly opened the wrapper to take my first bite. Kewpee hamburgers are made with local ground beef, prepared fresh daily and never frozen.
The sandwich was perfectly cooked with fresh vegetables with a little, ketchup, mayonnaise and mustard.
I hadn’t realized how hungry I had been until taking my last bite, I noticed the Kewpee doll in the corner. I was just happy she wasn’t looking directly at me, but it was close enough.
Have you had a Kewpee burger in Lima, Ohio? What did you think? I would love to hear about your experience if you would kindly leave a message in the comments section below. Many thanks for reading about my visit to Kewpee Hamburgers and wishing you many Happy Travels.
What to See and What to Do:
Kewpee Hamburgers
111 North Elizabeth Street
Lima, OH 45804
Telephone: 419 229 1385
Hours: Open Monday to Thursday from 6:30AM to 8PM (the drive thru opens at 5:30AM); Friday and Saturday from 6:30AM – 9PM (the drive thru opens at 5:30AM; Closed on Sunday
What to Eat:
I highly recommend the hamburger and now I wished I would have tried the frosted malt.