The Blimpy Way
A Michigan tradition, still flipping after all these years
—By Max Garmisa
Stretching out the door and snaking around the block, the line looks like one at the stadium itself. But, of course, this isn’t the football stadium; it’s Blimpy Burger—a landmark in Ann Arbor where the aroma of crispy patties and onions fills the air. Inside, a wave of organized chaos unfolds as, in typical fashion, customers wait to order, “Single, double, triple, or quad?” Some even go for the quintuple, as if four patties aren’t enough. The servers, masters of their craft, multitask effortlessly, aggressively demanding orders, then turning to flip burgers right in front of the customers’ eyes. It’s a scene that embodies Michigan tradition—one that most hoped would last forever.
Once a foundation of the University of Michigan experience, Blimpy Burger is now what some may call a “hidden gem” in downtown Ann Arbor. The small, busy shop was a favorite hangout for everyone, from freshmen to football fans, during their college years, according to University of Michigan class of 1995 alum Erik Harris. It was well-known for its unusual ordering system and greasy, delicious food. But Blimpy’s fame has faded since it was moved off campus years ago, and its history is now known by very few. While it is still in business, Harris is one of many alumni who would like to see this beloved custom revived.
A ritual in ordering
For Harris, making the trip to Blimpy Burger had a bit more meaning than just grabbing a casual meal with some friends. It was about participating in a unique ritual that made Blimpy Burger so much more than your typical college-town burger joint. “You couldn’t just walk up and say you wanted a double cheeseburger,” Harris recalled with a laugh. “You had to do it the Blimpy way. Start with how many patties you want—single, double, triple, or quad. Then your side—fries or fried broccoli. After that, toppings like onions or bacon. And finally, cheese or no cheese, but you couldn’t say it too early, or you’d get sent back to the end of the line.” This peculiar process became part of the fun—a ritual created for those unafraid to take on the challenge.
The Blimpy atmosphere on game days was nothing short of electric, with its line stretching “what seemed like a mile” out the door. While the seating area was small and almost always crowded, students didn’t always mind, choosing to eat standing up or grabbing their orders to go. As Harris reflects on the past, he understands that Blimpy was not just a restaurant; it was a hub where both students and locals bonded over their overly greasy meals. “The place could not get much more unhealthy,” Harris admits, “but after a long day of…being out, a lot of people did not care.” Whether planned on or not, Blimpy was kind of just the spot you ended up at.
From center stage to the sidelines
Blimpy Burger’s convenience to the Big House, located at 551 South Division Street, made the restaurant a staple year after year for the Wolverines. Only a 15-minute walk from the Big House, fans could enjoy their greasy treat before or after the game and not make a huge detour. However, in 2012, the University of Michigan decided they wanted to expand their campus, with property values around the campus continuing to rise. This move left Blimpy in the dust; they were forced to move. Now tucked away in downtown Ann Arbor, Blimpy Burger is almost a 30-minute walk from the stadium. While the staff and menu stayed the same, they lost something intangible: convenience.
While Harris graduated before the original Blimpy’s closed, he was upset to hear younger alumni tell him about the restaurant’s lack of presence. “It was kind of disappointing to learn about,” he explained. “You hear all these stories and then find out it’s not really part of the college experience anymore. It’s like losing a part of what makes this place special.” The move off-campus significantly hindered postgame spontaneous meals. The burger joint that once held so much prestige was now just another spot to eat in downtown Ann Arbor.
Still serving up tradition
Despite a new location and lack of popularity, Blimpy Burger is still cherished by many. Harris does his best to have a burger whenever he is in town. Even with the lack of familiar faces, he explained, “I sometimes can’t help but return to Blimpy and be a college kid all over again.”
While Blimpy’s is certainly not well-known by most U-M students, alumni like Harris can only hope its legacy doesn’t burn out. While there isn’t much he can do, he truly yearns for more people to know about Blimpy. “It’s not just a burger place; it’s a part of our history.” He understands that it will probably never be what it once was, but he does not want it to fade.
The changing face of Ann Arbor
The story of Blimpy Burger’s move from fame is just a small example of the bigger changes happening in Ann Arbor. The city, once full of unique local businesses, is now seeing more new buildings and fancy restaurants. While these small businesses are certainly not lost, some have begun to fade out.
Blimpy isn’t the only place that’s had to move, as there have been many other establishments that have been pushed out by either rising rents or changing demographics. It’s like Ann Arbor is losing some of its character, the things that made it feel like home. Another spot that had to move was beloved Amer’s. Luckily for them, they still found a great location on State Street, only a couple minutes from the center of the diag. However, this is not the case for all, as over 100 Ann Arbor restaurants have closed over the last 5 or 6 years. This still serves as a reminder that development and modernization have an impact even on the most well-known locations. Who knows what place will be next?
Holding onto a piece of the past
While Ann Arbor has continuously evolved, Blimpy Burger still stands as a symbol of strength. Its story is one of resilience and adaptation, and to people like Erik’s pleasure, it has not drawn away from its roots. While its relocation may have hindered its campus popularity, it still stands strong today, flipping and serving burgers like it always has. They still serve patties on one of four buns (a regular, onion, pumpernickel, or kaiser) and still greet customers with great energy every single time. However, it is not as harsh as it once was. While it is not a ‘go-to spot’, its legacy lives on. Those who know, those who understand, always yearn for their burger to be made just the way they ordered it—the Blimpy way.
Decades later, Harris continues to crave a Blimpy Burger, of course for the greasy delight but also to relish so many memories. While it’s nothing like the chaos in his days as a student, he never fails to appreciate his meal. For him, Blimpy isn’t just part of Michigan’s history—it’s a reminder that some connections are worth going back to, even after the crowds are gone. With joy, he exhaled, “There’s something about knowing it’s still there, even if it’s different.”
Featured Image: Blimpy Burger on a Sunday evening. Photo Credit: Max Garmisa