Flint-based Halo Burger opens first Lansing-area location on road to national growth

A popular Mid-Michigan name in the hamburger business is about to become much more recognizable state- and nationwide, and East Lansing is among the first in it's growth spurt. Halo Burger was born in Flint in the 1920s and was recently sold to Dortch Enterprises. The new owners saw room for significant growth for the brand and opened their first new location on Flint's west side in April. From there, the goal is to spread throughout Michigan and the nation. 

 

On Aug. 12, East Lansing joined the now 15-location Halo Burger business. According to General Manager Alex Watkins, what the new restaurant offers the Frandor area is something different from the existing fast food market. 

 

"Halo Burger isn't fast food, it's good food fast," he says. "Our burgers are never frozen, and they're hand-pressed on the grill." 

 

Watkins calls the Halo Burger experience something between a Culver's and a Five Guys. The East Lansing location has been in the works for about a year, and the location was carefully chosen. 

 

"Frandor's great because it's the intersection of three different markets," says Watkins. "It has the Lansing market, the East Lansing market and the MSU community - not to mention it's the main hub for everyone going into and out of the city." 

 

In addition to expanding nationwide, Halo Burger intends to open more stores in the Lansing market. Watkins says an Okemos location is expected in the the next six months, and a west side location will follow in another year. The East Lansing location employs a staff of 25.