Ann Arbor area residents can once more get their Blimpy Burger fix. The restaurant at Packard and Division closed over a year ago to make way for construction of a University of Michigan graduate student residence hall. This morning's rain couldn't keep people away from the grand opening of Blimpy Burger's new location.
About 20 customers were in line as bagpipes, Blimpy Burger's giant stuffed bear, and a ceremonial pot were marched into the new restaurant on Ashley near Liberty. Tom Westrick of Dundee was at the front of the line waiting for his first Blimpy Burger experience in over 13 months. "Looks great, looks like they got a lot of the same decor as the old place, just a newer looking building, and hopefully its the same good food," he says.
Westrick had his usual order, two doubles and fries. "Just Like I remember. Just as Good," Westrick says.
Westrick remembered the proper way to order Blimpy Burgers without needing to be reminded by the cooks at the grill. Owner Christine Magner says for the time being they're helping along customers that try to say what cheese and condiments they want too early in the ordering process. "Well, when we get our new signage up that will help. We don't have that up yet, but for the most part you know, our employees have walked them through the line if they don't know," she says.
Magner says reopening took a lot longer than expected but she thinks the new location is great. She's relieved so many customers are coming to check out the new spot.
Within minutes of opening, the line for Blimpy Burgers stretched out the front door.
Like 89.1 WEMU on Facebook and follow us on Twitter— Andrew Cluley is the Ann Arbor beat reporter, and anchor for 89.1 WEMU News. Contact him at 734.487.3363 or email him acluley@emich.edu.
