The History of Kewpee Hamburgers in Lima, Ohio

1928
Kewpee Hamburgers Comes to Lima
Kewpee Hamburgers Comes to Lima

In 1928, Hoyt F. “Stub” Wilson and his wife Julia M. “June” Wilson, built the first Kewpee location in Lima, OH.

1930
New Building Constructed Downtown
New Building Constructed Downtown

As downtown Lima grew, so did the Kewpee. This structure, built in 1939, was one of the first buildings in Lima, OH to have central air conditioning.

1940
Automobile Turntable
Automobile Turntable

As curbside service grew impractical, the downtown location went back to using the drive-thru window. A turntable was installed to spin a car around to exit the lot. Of course, this was a huge hit with the kids!

1972
Allentown Road Location Constructed
Allentown Road Location Constructed

Competition began to pick up as national fast food chains opened. In 1972, Kewpee expanded to the Allentown Road store.

1981
Bellefontaine Ave. Construction
Bellefontaine Ave. Construction

The final location opened in 1981 at the Bellefontaine Ave location. This is the largest location, able to seat 180 customers.