Please note that location entries may feature older photos or post card views that may not represent the current appearance, features, addresses, phone numbers, or contact names of the attraction. This site is intended to be a historical as well as current record of various attractions but it is not always possible to have up-to-date information due to the vast number of locations featured here. We ask you consult the propietor for current information.
Halo Burger originated in Flint, MI in 1923. Originally called Kewpee, the company served its first hamburger out of a “boxcar” style wagon on Harrison St. in Downtown Flint.
The first restaurant using the Halo Burger name was started by a Kewpee franchisee named Bill Thomas. The originator of Kewpee Samuel Blair passed away in 1945 and the chain went up for sale in 1958, including the trade name. The Kewpee name went to Ed Adams of Ohio who switched to a full franchise model instead of just licensing the name. Thomas rejected the franchise deal and converted his restaurants to Bull Thomas' Halo Burger in 1967.
The first location using the Halo Burger name was on Linden Rd. Thomas died in 1976 but 2 more locations were opened on Pierson Rd and in Grand Blanc. In the 1980's the chain expanded adding 10 more locations in an around Genesee County. There was an eColi scare in 2007 linked to Abbot's Meat, their supplier.
The Thomas family sold the chain to Dortch Enterprises in 2010 after a failed bid for an employee buyout. Dortch was operating numerous subway locations in Michigan. This led to expanding beyond Genesee County with stores opening in Oakland and Livingston Counties. They also expanded to Ingham County adding a store at the Frandor Shopping Center.
Dortch eventually sold the chain to Halo Country LLC in 2016 which was owned by Chance Richie, an investment banker. 3 locations (Brighton, Novi and Fenton Rd) were closed in 2016 due to poor sales. 2 more were closed in 2017 in Genesee County. Another closed in Grand Blanc also. Piston's basketball player Andre Drummond was signed as a brand ambassador in 2017 also. As of 2022, there are 7 Halo Burgers operating. I highly recommend them! As I can't seem to find the address of the headquarters in Burton, I am using the address of their outlet there.