Hot 'n Now
Encyclopedia
Hot 'n Now is an American fast-food restaurant chain based in Holt, Michigan
. Founded in 1984, the chain grew to more than 150 locations throughout the United States at its peak. Once under the ownership of PepsiCo
, the chain filed for bankruptcy in 2004, and was then sold to STEN Corporation.
Hot 'n Now was founded in Kalamazoo, Michigan
in 1984 by William Van Domelen and began franchising
activities in 1987. By 1990, the chain operated more than 150 stores in 15 different states. That same year, it was acquired by PepsiCo
, which placed operations under its Taco Bell
branch.
In 2004 the company filed for Chapter 11 Bankruptcy
. A year later, it was sold to STEN Corporation, which also owns the Burger Time
chain.
s, as well as sides such as french fries
and milkshake
s.
Holt, Michigan
Holt is an unincorporated community within Delhi Charter Township, Ingham County in the U.S. state of Michigan. It is a census-designated place used for statistical purposes. The population was 11,315 at the 2000 census....
. Founded in 1984, the chain grew to more than 150 locations throughout the United States at its peak. Once under the ownership of PepsiCo
PepsiCo
PepsiCo Inc. is an American multinational corporation headquartered in Purchase, New York, United States, with interests in the manufacturing, marketing and distribution of grain-based snack foods, beverages, and other products. PepsiCo was formed in 1965 with the merger of the Pepsi-Cola Company...
, the chain filed for bankruptcy in 2004, and was then sold to STEN Corporation.
History
Kalamazoo, Michigan
The area on which the modern city stands was once home to Native Americans of the Hopewell culture, who migrated into the area sometime before the first millennium. Evidence of their early residency remains in the form of a small mound in downtown's Bronson Park. The Hopewell civilization began to...
in 1984 by William Van Domelen and began franchising
Franchising
Franchising is the practice of using another firm's successful business model. The word 'franchise' is of anglo-French derivation - from franc- meaning free, and is used both as a noun and as a verb....
activities in 1987. By 1990, the chain operated more than 150 stores in 15 different states. That same year, it was acquired by PepsiCo
PepsiCo
PepsiCo Inc. is an American multinational corporation headquartered in Purchase, New York, United States, with interests in the manufacturing, marketing and distribution of grain-based snack foods, beverages, and other products. PepsiCo was formed in 1965 with the merger of the Pepsi-Cola Company...
, which placed operations under its Taco Bell
Taco Bell
Taco Bell is an American chain of fast-food restaurants based in Irvine, California. A subsidiary of Yum! Brands, Inc., which serves American-adapted Mexican food. Taco Bell serves tacos, burritos, quesadillas, nachos, other specialty items, and a variety of "Value Menu" items...
branch.
In 2004 the company filed for Chapter 11 Bankruptcy
Chapter 11, Title 11, United States Code
Chapter 11 is a chapter of the United States Bankruptcy Code, which permits reorganization under the bankruptcy laws of the United States. Chapter 11 bankruptcy is available to every business, whether organized as a corporation or sole proprietorship, and to individuals, although it is most...
. A year later, it was sold to STEN Corporation, which also owns the Burger Time
Burger Time
Burger Time is a regional chain of nine fast food restaurants. It was founded in Fargo, North Dakota, in 1987. The company is now headquartered in West Fargo, North Dakota...
chain.
Menu and design
The majority of the chain's locations focused entirely on drive-thru service, featuring a small footprint building with a tall, slanted roof style. Some previous locations were more traditional fast-food locations, complete with seating, and others were combined with gas stations. The chain's menu focuses on low-cost hamburgerHamburger
A hamburger is a sandwich consisting of a cooked patty of ground meat usually placed inside a sliced bread roll...
s, as well as sides such as french fries
French fries
French fries , chips, fries, or French-fried potatoes are strips of deep-fried potato. North Americans tend to refer to any pieces of deep-fried potatoes as fries or French fries, while in the United Kingdom, Australia, Ireland and New Zealand, long, thinly cut slices of deep-fried potatoes are...
and milkshake
Milkshake
A milkshake is a sweet, cold beverage which is made from milk, ice cream or iced milk, and flavorings or sweeteners such as fruit syrup or chocolate sauce....
s.