ANN ARBOR, MI — March 16, 2026 — Krazy Jim’s Blimpy Burger, Ann Arbor’s oldest burger stand and a beloved institution since 1953, is officially entering its next chapter. Following more than 70 years as a local rite of passage, the business has been acquired by a new ownership team dedicated to preserving its unique character while implementing a multifaceted growth strategy for the modern era.

The opportunity arose in early 2025 when former owner, Richard Magner, began looking for a succession plan as his health was declining. As word spread throughout the community of local entrepreneurs, brothers Noah and Ethan Kaplan, who own Leon Speakers, York Food & Drink and Mothfire Brewing Company, saw this as a way to preserve a true Ann Arbor legacy, and one that was part of their own food experience in this town since their college days in the 1990s. Noah Kaplan brought Pete Levin into the partnership, known locally for launching the first Joe’s Pizza location outside of New York in Ann Arbor, and more recently, Bo’s Bagels on South University. The partners were fortunate to find Doug Botsford, who joins them as the Operating Partner, bringing deep local roots as a fourth-generation Ann Arborite whose family has been "day one" customers of Blimpy Burger since 1953. His extensive culinary career includes management roles at high-volume hospitality ventures, from a James Beard Award-winning restaurant to a recent food truck concept, Juicy Ostre.

As this new team takes the lead, they honor the dedicated stewardship of the Magner family, all of whom have been involved in this transition to ensure the spirit of Blimpy continues. Before his passing in March 2025, longtime owner, Rich Magner, spoke to Kaplan about the importance of this establishment and how he hoped it would continue to build on the community he and his wife, Chris, developed over the past thirty years. Magner was committed to making sure that the "Krazy Jim" spirit endured through decades of change in Ann Arbor. The new ownership group recognizes the weight of this legacy and is committed to protecting the foundation of brand loyalty the Magners helped build.

While the new team is committed to keeping the "classic soul" of Blimpy Burger intact—including the ground-fresh-daily smashburgers, the iconic ordering etiquette and unique counter culture, and the bear mascot—strategic improvements are planned to ensure the brand thrives for future generations. The restaurant plans to secure a Class C liquor license to serve beer in partnership with Mothfire Brewing Company and extend hours past midnight to serve the late-night college and bar crowds.

Modernizing the customer experience is a top priority, with a shift toward digital ordering systems including an optimized mobile site and integration with delivery platforms like DoorDash and Uber Eats. The team also intends to expand the brand’s footprint beyond its physical walls through off-site revenue streams such as tailgates, local festivals like Top of the Park, and a potential food truck. This strategy aims to transform the business from a single-location restaurant into a scalable, mobile brand experience while maintaining the heritage established over the last seven decades.

To facilitate the changes and usher in this new era, Krazy Jim’s Blimpy Burger will temporarily close on March 16, 2026 to allow renovations to begin. The beloved establishment intends to reopen its doors by the end of May. Lifelong fans can follow the progress and get the latest updates on the reopening date through Blimpy’s social media channels and website.