ANN ARBOR, Mich. – A beloved Ann Arbor burger spot founded in 1953 is temporarily closing for renovations as new owners take over.
Krazy Jim’s Blimpy Burger will close on March 17, and the new owners plan to reopen the establishment by the end of May, according to a release.
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“Friends! We have some exciting news to share—it’s time to start Blimpy’s next chapter," according to a post on Blimpy’s Facebook page on Tuesday morning. “Following more than 70 years as a local rite of passage, and honoring the legacy created by the Magner Family, we are happy to announce a new ownership team dedicated to preserving the unique character or our beloved burger stand. We will be doing some renovations and will be closing for a few weeks starting today, Tuesday March 17th. We’ll be sharing progress here, so stay tuned. We promise we’ll be back soon!”
Longtime owner Richard Magner started to look for a succession plan in early 2025 after his health declined, according to the release.
Brothers Noah and Ethan Kaplan, who own Leon Speakers, York Food & Drink and Mothfire Brewing Company, saw this as an opportunity to preserve a beloved Ann Arbor spot, one that has been part of their lives since they were in college in the 1990s.
Pete Levin, known for Ann Arbor’s Joe’s Pizza and Bo’s Bagels, was brought into the partnership, and the three of them found Doug Botsford to join them as an operating partner. Botsford is a fourth-generation Ann Arbor resident whose family has been Blimpy Burger customers since the 50s. He also has an extensive culinary career that includes management roles at a James Beard Award-winning restaurant and a recent food truck venture.
Before his passing in March 2025, Magner spoke with Kaplan about how important the restaurant was to him. He said he hoped the business would “continue to build on the community he and his wife, Chris, developed over the past 30 years,” according to the release.
The Magner family made preserving that “Krazy Jim” spirit a priority as Ann Arbor changed around them. The incoming ownership group acknowledged that legacy and pledged to protect the foundation of brand loyalty that the Magner’s helped build.
What to expect
The new team will preserve Blimpy’s ground-fresh-daily smash burgers, the ordering etiquette and the bear mascot, but will also be making some updates.
They plan to get a Class C liquor license to serve Mothfire Brewing Company beer, and will also expand their hours, keeping the spot open past midnight to serve the college and bar crowds.
The team also plans to start using digital ordering systems, including integration with delivery service platforms like DoorDash and Uber Eats, and participate in off-site events and local festivals.
Blimpy’s is located at 304 S. Ashley Street. People can find the latest updates on Blimpy’s website and Facebook page.