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{{Short description|Fast food restaurant}}
{{Coord|42|16|45.85|N|83|45|0.25|W|display=title}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=October 2023}}
{{Infobox company
{{Infobox company
| name = Krazy Jim's Blimpy Burger
| name = Krazy Jim's Blimpy Burger
| logo = [[File:Blimpy Burger.jpg|220px]]
| image = Krazy Jim's Blimpy Burger, 551 South Division Street, Ann Arbor, Michigan - panoramio.jpg
| logo = Blimpy Burger logo.png
| caption =
| caption =
| trading_name =
| trading_name =
Line 12: Line 16:
| predecessor =
| predecessor =
| successor =
| successor =
| foundation = <!-- City, Country ({{Start date|YYYY|MM|DD}}) -->
| foundation = {{Start date and age|1953}}
| founder = Jim Shafer
| founder = Jim Shafer
| defunct =
| defunct =
| location_city = [[Ann Arbor, Michigan|Ann Arbor]], [[Michigan|MI]]
| location_city = [[Ann Arbor, Michigan|Ann Arbor]], Michigan
| location_country =
| location_country = [[United States]]
| locations = 1
| locations = 1
| area_served =
| area_served =
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| intl =
| intl =
}}
}}
'''Krazy Jim's Blimpy Burger''' is a fast food restaurant based in [[Ann Arbor, Michigan]] known for its burgers and fried onion rings.<ref>{{cite web|title=Burgers, Rings and Fries|url=http://www.foodnetwork.com/diners-drive-ins-and-dives/burgers-rings-and-fries/index.html|work=Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives|publisher=Food Network|accessdate=10 December 2012}}</ref>
'''Krazy Jim's Blimpy Burger''' is a fast food restaurant based in [[Ann Arbor, Michigan]], known for its burgers and fried onion rings.<ref>{{cite web|title=Burgers, Rings and Fries|url=http://www.foodnetwork.com/diners-drive-ins-and-dives/burgers-rings-and-fries/index.html|work=Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives|publisher=Food Network|accessdate=10 December 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121203143406/http://www.foodnetwork.com/diners-drive-ins-and-dives/burgers-rings-and-fries/index.html|archive-date=3 December 2012|url-status=dead}}</ref>


==History==
==History==
Blimpy Burgers was found in 1953 by Jim Shafer at 551 South Division Street, Ann Arbor, Michigan. In 1969, Rich Magner began working at Blimpy as a student.<ref name=aac>{{cite news|last=Alfs|first=Lizzy|title=Owner: Blimpy Burger must move as University of Michigan buys building|url=http://www.annarbor.com/business-review/owner-blimpy-burger-must-move-as-university-of-michigan-buys-building/|accessdate=10 December 2012|newspaper=Ann Arbor.com|date=December 6, 2012}}</ref>
Blimpy Burgers was founded in 1953 by Jim Shafer at 551 South Division Street, Ann Arbor, Michigan. In 1969, Rich Magner began working at Blimpy as a student.<ref name=aac>{{cite news|last=Alfs|first=Lizzy|title=Owner: Blimpy Burger must move as University of Michigan buys building|url=http://www.annarbor.com/business-review/owner-blimpy-burger-must-move-as-university-of-michigan-buys-building/|accessdate=10 December 2012|newspaper=Ann Arbor.com|date=December 6, 2012}}</ref>


In 1993, Rich Magner returned to work at Blimpy and purchased the business but not the property.<ref name=aac/>
In 1993, Rich Magner returned to work at Blimpy and purchased the business but not the property.<ref name=aac/>


In the new century, Blimpy began getting coverage by various food TV shows. They are known for having one of the greatest burger cooks of all time, Scoop Tappinson. In 2008, Blimpy was featured on [[Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives]].<ref name=aac0>{{cite news|last=Webster|first=Jessica |title=Food & Grocery: Ann Arbor's Krazy Jim's Blimpy Burger featured on Travel Channel |url= http://www.annarbor.com/entertainment/food-drink/ann-arbors-krazy-jims-blimpy-burger-featured-on-travel-channel/ |accessdate=10 December 2012|newspaper=AnnArbor.com|date=October 24, 2012}}</ref> An episode of [[Man v. Food]] filmed on September 7, 2010 also featured the restaurant.<ref>{{cite news|last=McKee|first=Jenn|title='Man v. Food' filming at Krazy Jim's Blimpy Burger today|url=http://www.annarbor.com/entertainment/man-vs-food-filming-at-crazy-jims-blimpy-burger-today/|accessdate=10 December 2012|newspaper=AnnArbor.com|date=September 7, 2010}}</ref> The [[USA Today]] on July 23, 2012 named Blimpy a "10 great places for regional fast-food treasures".<ref>{{cite news|title=10 great places for regional fast-food treasures|url=http://travel.usatoday.com/destinations/10great/story/2012-07-19/10-great-places-for-regional-fast-food-treasures/56341472/1|accessdate=10 December 2012|newspaper=USA Today|date=July 23, 2012}}</ref> Blimpy was featured on the [[Travel Channel]] show [[Food_Paradise#Hamburger_Paradise 2: The Double-Decker .(2012)|Hamburger Paradise]] on October 10, 2012 as a top USA hamburger restaurant.<ref name=aac0/>
In the new century, Blimpy began getting coverage by various food TV shows. In 2008, Blimpy was featured on ''[[Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives]]''.<ref name=aac0>{{cite news|last=Webster|first=Jessica |title=Food & Grocery: Ann Arbor's Krazy Jim's Blimpy Burger featured on Travel Channel |url= http://www.annarbor.com/entertainment/food-drink/ann-arbors-krazy-jims-blimpy-burger-featured-on-travel-channel/ |accessdate=10 December 2012|newspaper=AnnArbor.com|date=October 24, 2012}}</ref> An episode of ''[[Man v. Food]]'' filmed on September 7, 2010, also featured the restaurant.<ref>{{cite news|last=McKee|first=Jenn|title='Man v. Food' filming at Krazy Jim's Blimpy Burger today|url=http://www.annarbor.com/entertainment/man-vs-food-filming-at-crazy-jims-blimpy-burger-today/|accessdate=10 December 2012|newspaper=AnnArbor.com|date=September 7, 2010}}</ref> The July 23, 2012, issue of ''[[USA Today]]'' named Blimpy a "10 great places for regional fast-food treasures".<ref>{{cite news|title=10 great places for regional fast-food treasures|url=http://travel.usatoday.com/destinations/10great/story/2012-07-19/10-great-places-for-regional-fast-food-treasures/56341472/1|accessdate=10 December 2012|newspaper=[[USA Today]]|publisher=[[Gannett Company]]|date=July 23, 2012}}</ref> Blimpy was featured on the [[Travel Channel]] show ''[[Food_Paradise#Hamburger Paradise 2: The Double-Decker .(2012)|Hamburger Paradise]]'' on October 10, 2012, as a top U.S. hamburger restaurant.<ref name=aac0/>


In late 2012, the property’s owner and founder's widow, Patricia Shafer, sold the property to the [[University of Michigan]]<ref name=aac/> for $1.075 million, none of which went to Blimpy Burgers or its owner.<ref name=aan>{{cite news|last=Alfs|first=Lizzy|title=Blimpy Burger owner seeks investors to help reopen restaurant|url=http://www.mlive.com/business/ann-arbor/index.ssf/2013/12/blimpy_burger_owner_seeks_inve.html|accessdate=February 13, 2014|newspaper=Ann Arbor News|date=December 16, 2013}}</ref>
In late 2012, the property’s owner and founder's widow, Patricia Shafer, sold the property to the [[University of Michigan]]<ref name=aac/> for $1.075 million, none of which went to Blimpy Burgers or its owner.<ref name=aan>{{cite news|last=Alfs|first=Lizzy|title=Blimpy Burger owner seeks investors to help reopen restaurant|url=http://www.mlive.com/business/ann-arbor/index.ssf/2013/12/blimpy_burger_owner_seeks_inve.html|accessdate=February 13, 2014|newspaper=Ann Arbor News|date=December 16, 2013}}</ref> Blimpy was forced to vacate the Division Street location by August 31, 2013, and shut down earlier to pack up equipment to leave the building. As of July 30, Magner was in negotiations for two downtown locations and expected a temporary lapse in operations.<ref>{{cite news|last=Alfs |first=Lizzy |title=Ann Arbor's Blimpy Burger to close in August; What's next? |url=http://web1.annarbor.com/business-review/ann-arbors-blimpy-burger-to-close-in-august-whats-next/|accessdate=August 15, 2013 |newspaper=AnnArbor.com|date=July 30, 2013}}</ref> Blimpy closed at the Division Street location on Wednesday August 14.<ref>Webster, Jessica. (August 14, 2013) [http://annarbor.com/entertainment/food-drink/my-last-pilgrimage-to-krazy-jims-blimpy-burger/ My last pilgrimage to Krazy Jim's Blimpy Burger]. AnnArbor.com.</ref>


⚫
Blimpy held a $100 fund-raising dinner just before they closed. Find that the cost to relocate and remodel was $330,000, the owners launched a campaign on [[Indiegogo]] and other fundraising activities. The Indiegogo campaign raised $20,396 of its $60,000 goal<ref>{{cite news|last=Cowley|first=Stacy|title=Retail Businesses That Try Crowdfunding Face Some Skepticism|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2014/02/13/business/smallbusiness/businesses-that-try-crowdfunding-face-skepticism.html?src=dayp&_r=3|accessdate=February 13, 2014|newspaper=[[The New York Times]]|date=February 12, 2014}}</ref> while giving rewards to donors like bumper stickers and gift cards.<ref name=aan/> Magner also looked for investors for the business to raise $150,000 which was need for a bank loan.<ref name=aan/>
Blimpy must vacate the Division Street location by August 31, 2013 thus Blimpy will shut down earlier to pack up equipment to leave the building. As of July 30, Magner was in negotiations for two downtown locations and expected a temporary lapse in operations.<ref>{{cite news|last=Alfs |first=Lizzy |title=Ann Arbor's Blimpy Burger to close in August; What's next?
|url=http://web1.annarbor.com/business-review/ann-arbors-blimpy-burger-to-close-in-august-whats-next/|accessdate=August 15, 2013 |newspaper=AnnArbor.com|date=July 30, 2013}}</ref> Blimpy closed to the public at Division Street location on Wednesday August 14.<ref>Webster, Jessica. (August 14, 2013) [http://annarbor.com/entertainment/food-drink/my-last-pilgrimage-to-krazy-jims-blimpy-burger/ My last pilgrimage to Krazy Jim's Blimpy Burger]. AnnArbor.com.</ref>


⚫
In April 2014, Magner signed a lease for a new location in downtown Ann Arbor at 304 S. Ashley St., the site of the former Eastern Flame restaurant space, with expectations to open in late June.<ref>{{cite news|last=Alfs|first=Lizzy|title=Blimpy Burger signs lease for new restaurant in downtown Ann Arbor|url=http://www.mlive.com/business/ann-arbor/index.ssf/2014/04/blimpy_burger_owner_signs_leas.html|accessdate=May 5, 2014|newspaper=The Ann Arbor News|date=April 19, 2014}}</ref> While missing the original planned opening month of June, by August 14 most construction work was completed at the new location. Blimpy was awaiting inspections and hire & train new employees before opening.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Alfs|first1=Lizzy|title=One year after Blimpy Burger's closing, work at new site underway|url=http://www.mlive.com/business/ann-arbor/index.ssf/2014/08/one_year_later_construction_un.html|accessdate=August 14, 2014|work=Ann Arbor News|publisher=Mlive Media Group|date=August 14, 2014}}</ref> Blimpy Burger had a soft reopening on {{dts|2014|9|25}} with a grand reopening to occur the next week.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Alfs|first1=Lizzy|title=Blimpy Burger staff conducts trial run ahead of opening in new downtown Ann Arbor location|url=http://www.mlive.com/business/ann-arbor/index.ssf/2014/09/blimpy_burger_reopens_in_new_d.html|accessdate=July 29, 2015|work=The Ann Arbor News|publisher=MLive Media Group|date=September 25, 2014}}</ref>
⚫
Blimpy held a $100 fund-raising dinner just before they closed. Find that the cost to relocate and remodel was $330,000, the owners launched a campaign on [[Indiegogo]] and other fundraising activities. The Indiegogo campaign raised $20,396 of its $60,000 goal<ref>{{cite news|last=Cowley|first=Stacy|title=Retail Businesses That Try Crowdfunding Face Some Skepticism|url=http://www.nytimes.com/2014/02/13/business/smallbusiness/businesses-that-try-crowdfunding-face-skepticism.html?src=dayp&_r=3|accessdate=February 13, 2014|newspaper=Nrw York Times|date=February 12, 2014}}</ref> while giving rewards to donors like bumper stickers and gift cards.<ref name=aan/> Magner is also looking for investors for the business to raise the needed funds as $150,000 in funds is need for a bank loan.<ref name=aan/>

⚫
In April 2014, Magner signed a lease for a new location in downtown Ann Arbor at 304 S. Ashley St., the former Eastern Flame restaurant space, with expectations to open in late June.<ref>{{cite news|last=Alfs|first=Lizzy|title=Blimpy Burger signs lease for new restaurant in downtown Ann Arbor|url=http://www.mlive.com/business/ann-arbor/index.ssf/2014/04/blimpy_burger_owner_signs_leas.html|accessdate=May 5, 2014|newspaper=The Ann Arbor News|date=April 19, 2014}}</ref> While missing the original planned opening month of June by August 14 most construction work was done on the new location. Blimpy was awaiting inspections and hire & train new employees before opening.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Alfs|first1=Lizzy|title=One year after Blimpy Burger's closing, work at new site underway|url=http://www.mlive.com/business/ann-arbor/index.ssf/2014/08/one_year_later_construction_un.html|accessdate=August 14, 2014|work=Ann Arbor News|publisher=Mlive Media Group|date=August 14, 2014}}</ref>


==Awards==
==Awards==
*10th place, Michigan's Best Burger 2013, Mlive Media Group<ref>{{cite news|last=Gonzalez|first=John|title=Michigan's Best Burger 2013: Our Top 10 list, and more!|url=http://www.mlive.com/entertainment/index.ssf/2013/06/michigans_best_burger_2013_our.html|accessdate=May 5, 2014|newspaper=Mlive Media Group|date=June 19, 2013}}</ref>
*10th place, Michigan's Best Burger 2013, Mlive Media Group<ref>{{cite news|last=Gonzalez|first=John|title=Michigan's Best Burger 2013: Our Top 10 list, and more!|url=http://www.mlive.com/entertainment/index.ssf/2013/06/michigans_best_burger_2013_our.html|accessdate=May 5, 2014|newspaper=Mlive Media Group|date=June 19, 2013}}</ref>

==See also==
* [[List of hamburger restaurants]]


==References==
==References==
Line 63: Line 67:


==External links==
==External links==
* {{URL|blimpyburger.com}} - official website
* {{official website|blimpyburger.com}}
* [http://www.travelchannel.com/tv-shows/hamburger-paradise-2 Hamburger Paradise 2]
* [http://www.travelchannel.com/tv-shows/hamburger-paradise-2 Hamburger Paradise 2]
* [http://www.travelchannel.com/tv-shows/man-v-food/episodes/ann-arbor-1 Man V Food Episode Ann Arbor 1]
* [http://www.travelchannel.com/tv-shows/man-v-food/episodes/ann-arbor-1 Man V Food Episode Ann Arbor 1]
*[http://www.foodnetwork.com/diners-drive-ins-and-dives/burgers-rings-and-fries/index.html Diners, Drive-ins and Dives: Burgers, Rings and Fries episodes]
*[https://web.archive.org/web/20121203143406/http://www.foodnetwork.com/diners-drive-ins-and-dives/burgers-rings-and-fries/index.html Diners, Drive-ins and Dives: Burgers, Rings and Fries episodes]


[[Category:Fast-food chains of the United States]]
[[Category:Fast-food chains of the United States]]
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[[Category:Restaurants in Michigan]]
[[Category:Restaurants in Michigan]]
[[Category:Restaurants established in 1953]]
[[Category:Restaurants established in 1953]]
[[Category:Culture of Ann Arbor, Michigan]]
[[Category:1953 establishments in Michigan]]

Latest revision as of 23:42, 8 October 2023

42°16′45.85″N 83°45′0.25″W / 42.2794028°N 83.7500694°W / 42.2794028; -83.7500694

Krazy Jim's Blimpy Burger
Company typePrivate
IndustryFast food restaurant
Founded1953; 72 years ago (1953)
FounderJim Shafer
Headquarters
Ann Arbor, Michigan
,
United States
Number of locations
1
ProductsHamburgers, onion rings
OwnerRich Magner
Websiteblimpyburger.com

Krazy Jim's Blimpy Burger is a fast food restaurant based in Ann Arbor, Michigan, known for its burgers and fried onion rings.[1]

History

[edit]

Blimpy Burgers was founded in 1953 by Jim Shafer at 551 South Division Street, Ann Arbor, Michigan. In 1969, Rich Magner began working at Blimpy as a student.[2]

In 1993, Rich Magner returned to work at Blimpy and purchased the business but not the property.[2]

In the new century, Blimpy began getting coverage by various food TV shows. In 2008, Blimpy was featured on Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives.[3] An episode of Man v. Food filmed on September 7, 2010, also featured the restaurant.[4] The July 23, 2012, issue of USA Today named Blimpy a "10 great places for regional fast-food treasures".[5] Blimpy was featured on the Travel Channel show Hamburger Paradise on October 10, 2012, as a top U.S. hamburger restaurant.[3]

In late 2012, the property’s owner and founder's widow, Patricia Shafer, sold the property to the University of Michigan[2] for $1.075 million, none of which went to Blimpy Burgers or its owner.[6] Blimpy was forced to vacate the Division Street location by August 31, 2013, and shut down earlier to pack up equipment to leave the building. As of July 30, Magner was in negotiations for two downtown locations and expected a temporary lapse in operations.[7] Blimpy closed at the Division Street location on Wednesday August 14.[8]

Blimpy held a $100 fund-raising dinner just before they closed. Find that the cost to relocate and remodel was $330,000, the owners launched a campaign on Indiegogo and other fundraising activities. The Indiegogo campaign raised $20,396 of its $60,000 goal[9] while giving rewards to donors like bumper stickers and gift cards.[6] Magner also looked for investors for the business to raise $150,000 which was need for a bank loan.[6]

In April 2014, Magner signed a lease for a new location in downtown Ann Arbor at 304 S. Ashley St., the site of the former Eastern Flame restaurant space, with expectations to open in late June.[10] While missing the original planned opening month of June, by August 14 most construction work was completed at the new location. Blimpy was awaiting inspections and hire & train new employees before opening.[11] Blimpy Burger had a soft reopening on September 25, 2014 with a grand reopening to occur the next week.[12]

Awards

[edit]
  • 10th place, Michigan's Best Burger 2013, Mlive Media Group[13]

See also

[edit]

References

[edit]
  1. ^ "Burgers, Rings and Fries". Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives. Food Network. Archived from the original on December 3, 2012. Retrieved December 10, 2012.
  2. ^ a b c Alfs, Lizzy (December 6, 2012). "Owner: Blimpy Burger must move as University of Michigan buys building". Ann Arbor.com. Retrieved December 10, 2012.
  3. ^ a b Webster, Jessica (October 24, 2012). "Food & Grocery: Ann Arbor's Krazy Jim's Blimpy Burger featured on Travel Channel". AnnArbor.com. Retrieved December 10, 2012.
  4. ^ McKee, Jenn (September 7, 2010). "'Man v. Food' filming at Krazy Jim's Blimpy Burger today". AnnArbor.com. Retrieved December 10, 2012.
  5. ^ "10 great places for regional fast-food treasures". USA Today. Gannett Company. July 23, 2012. Retrieved December 10, 2012.
  6. ^ a b c Alfs, Lizzy (December 16, 2013). "Blimpy Burger owner seeks investors to help reopen restaurant". Ann Arbor News. Retrieved February 13, 2014.
  7. ^ Alfs, Lizzy (July 30, 2013). "Ann Arbor's Blimpy Burger to close in August; What's next?". AnnArbor.com. Retrieved August 15, 2013.
  8. ^ Webster, Jessica. (August 14, 2013) My last pilgrimage to Krazy Jim's Blimpy Burger. AnnArbor.com.
  9. ^ Cowley, Stacy (February 12, 2014). "Retail Businesses That Try Crowdfunding Face Some Skepticism". The New York Times. Retrieved February 13, 2014.
  10. ^ Alfs, Lizzy (April 19, 2014). "Blimpy Burger signs lease for new restaurant in downtown Ann Arbor". The Ann Arbor News. Retrieved May 5, 2014.
  11. ^ Alfs, Lizzy (August 14, 2014). "One year after Blimpy Burger's closing, work at new site underway". Ann Arbor News. Mlive Media Group. Retrieved August 14, 2014.
  12. ^ Alfs, Lizzy (September 25, 2014). "Blimpy Burger staff conducts trial run ahead of opening in new downtown Ann Arbor location". The Ann Arbor News. MLive Media Group. Retrieved July 29, 2015.
  13. ^ Gonzalez, John (June 19, 2013). "Michigan's Best Burger 2013: Our Top 10 list, and more!". Mlive Media Group. Retrieved May 5, 2014.
[edit]
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