Do You Remember Kewpee’s?

Remember Kewpee's located in Oneida Square in the 1940's? What happened to it?

With some digging around we came across The Kewpee's History
As written by David Kristopeit.

Kewpee was founded in 1920 by Dick Sanford and has been in operation for over 70 years. It is part of a small franchise. It is one of the oldest franchises in the country and had over 200 restaurants east of the Mississippi before WWII. That's 25-30 years before the first McDonald's opened it's doors. Most of those Kewpee's closed during the war when ground meat was so hard to get. There are only six Kewpee's left now. The headquarters is located in Lima, Ohio, which is the site of three Kewpee's. The other two Kewpee's are in Lansing, Michigan.

When we discovered the Kewpee website, we also found the guestbook loaded with memories from the Utica location.

I grew up in Utica NY and worked at Kewpees in the mid-50's. Will always remember the advertising slogan " Kewpee Hamburger, pickle on top, makes your heart go flippity flop." My job was working in the basement, scooping raw meat from a large container, with an ice-cream scoop, and stacking the balls into a pyramid on a large flat tray. It took two of us to get the tray up the stairs to the grill. Thanks for the memories. Chuck Wilson.

I still talk about the burgers Kewpee had to offer, they are the best will always be the best. I have lived in Utica, NY all of my 61 yrs, and I would just give anything to bring back a Kewpee Burger. I also went to a High School only a few blocks away from Kewpee's. Talk about a wonderful business; I will never understand why they left the area.

I grew up in Utica, N.Y. and can sure attest to the wonderful Kewpee's hamburgers, etc. My sisters and I ate their countless times. Our high school was only a couple blocks away, and a walk to the "Square" was a frequent after-school activity. Kewpee's was one of the first places I took my future husband when he visited Utica---he loved them, too. Thanks for the memories! Barb {Long} Green- Fairport, N.Y.

Why not consider coming back to Utica? We would love to have you back; Have heard many positive stories of the times when your burger place was here...Thanks, keep in touch....JIMBO

I am originally from Utica, NY. It was such a pleasure to find your site with the historic information. It's a pleasant surprise to see it still in operation. It was such a piece of my childhood. Utica was to Kewpee as Lima or Racine is today.

I think of the Kewpee in Utica, N.Y., still.. I am nearly sixty. Have you ever considered marketing the name again in the Rome/Utica area.. We enjoy a great area with a lot of hardworking people and families with old fashion ideals.... Merino J. Ciccone, Jr.

I too remember the one in Utica, NY. I grew up in nearby Clayville and Sauquoit during the sixties. My mom and I would go after shopping. And while I remember one of the first MacDonalds in Yorkville and Voss hamburger stand (shaped like a milk bottle and is still there), they and ALL other burger chains, don't even approach the greatness of the Kewpie! As a kid, my favorite tongue twister was trying to read their flashing sign aloud while lit! "Please do not blow horn - use lights for service!" Michael J. Zuccaro...

I remember Kewpees when I was a teenager some years ago. Back in the 60's, you were located on Oneida St. square. The boys and I always stopped for a burger and malt. I enjoyed the car hops you had taking our orders. I'm referring to the Location In Utica, NY. We really miss you folks and would Love to have you back here in Utica. Ps. I also would like to thank you for the Kewpee's wrappers I received from you to make my 50's and 60's party a big hit. Everybody loved the idea but really wanted the burgers to go with it. Hopefully, next year a bunch of us are coming down to Lima for a Real Treat. Thank you Peter Mastrovito ...

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