Many people from Indianapolis have grown up with fond memories of Mr. Dan’s, which has been a local favorite for almost 60 years.
It is best known for its signature Mr. Dan hamburger, hot dogs and seasoned fries, which kept customers coming back to more than a dozen locations over the years.
By 2005, however, Mr. Dan’s was facing intense competition and appeared to be on the ropes, with only two surviving locations. But like Muhammad Ali in the fight of his life, Mr. Dan’s came back swingin’ against the competition.
Last year, despite the recession, Mr. Dan’s current owners announced that new franchises would be opened, which was welcome news to longtime customers. Currently, there are three locations (5925 Massachusetts Ave., 411 S. West St., 4390 N. Keystone Ave.), and more could be opened soon.
So, let me get to the heart of why this is so important: Mr. Dan’s has everything you need for a solid meal. Most restaurants offer cuisine that is excellent, but high priced, while others have items that are cheap, but leave you feeling hungry again a short time later.
At Mr. Dan’s, you get food that is fresh (made-to-order), satisfying and affordable all at the same time, which has earned the restaurant repeat business.
Mr. Dan’s large, flame-grilled burgers and Chicago style hot dogs (its two most popular items) are very flavorful, and serve as great examples of an uncomplicated menu of classic favorites that also includes tenderloins, chili and fries. A limited breakfast menu is available late night and early mornings.
Usually, I visit the location on Massachusetts Avenue, and it is a pilgrimage I never get tired of making.
My favorite selection is the Big Dan single deluxe combo, which includes a drink, seasoned fries and a large burger that is cooked on a grill the old-fashioned way, with a toasted bun and all of the trimmings you desire.
Everything is prepared right in front of you by servers who are friendly, but don’t carry on too much conversation with customers due to their commitment to fast service. In fact, I have never waited more than 10 minutes for an order, even when there are several people in line during rush hour.
Mr. Dan’s facilities (at least those I see) are modest and relatively small, but clean and charming. They have a retro look that reaches back to the design of neighborhood restaurants from the ‘60s and ‘70s.
The first Mr. Dan’s was opened downtown in 1950 at the corner of 14th and Illinois streets by Richard Hogshire, the founder of Mr. Dan’s, who is still active in the business.
The original name, Gay Dan’s, came from the Gay ‘90s era and adopted the circus wagon look for a Gay ‘90s hot dog stand. The name was changed in the 1970s to Mr. Dan’s.
The original menu was hot dogs, baked beans and a fresh cup of coffee. After the first few years of business, it became obvious that the hamburger was necessary to attract more business.
“The Big Dan hamburger is the mainstay of the business,” said Bill Church, an executive director with MZD, a company that is helping to promote franchise opportunities for Mr. Dan’s. “The burger is widely known in the community as the best. They are always cooked to order and served fresh.”
Equality is usually a good goal to strive for, but Mr. Dan’s has proven that not all burgers are created equal. If you’re tired of the bland, boring and squishy burgers, give Mr. Dan’s a try today.
