Hwy 55 Burgers Shakes and Fries opened in Eastgate Jan. 26. The 1950s-style restaurant is the first of its kind in the Cincinnati area. From left are Tiffany Evans, owner Ken Rubin, and Natasha Spradlin.

Hwy 55 Burgers Shakes and Fries opened in Eastgate Jan. 26. The 1950s-style restaurant is the first of its kind in the Cincinnati area. From left are Tiffany Evans, owner Ken Rubin, and Natasha Spradlin.
By Kristin Bednarski
Sun staff

There is a new restaurant in town, and it is one that will take customers back in time to the 1950s.

Hwy 55 Burgers Shakes and Fries is a casual, sit-down restaurant that resembles a 1950s diner with food to match.

The only location in the area opened Jan. 26 at the Jungle Jim’s shopping center in Eastgate.

Ken Rubin and Tom Hartzell own the restaurant and are looking to bring more locations to the area.

Rubin said he thinks they found a great first location.

“We chose Jungle Jim’s because of the number of people it attracts,” Rubin said. “We felt we would become a community gathering place for sports teams and families.”

Hwy 55 originated in 1991 as Andy’s Cheesesteaks and Cheesburgers in Goldsboro, North Carolina. The name of the restaurant changed and the restaurant grew to more than 100 locations around Mount Olive, North Carolina.

“We’re a rock and roll 50s-themed restaurant with a very contemporary look,” Rubin said about Hwy 55.

Not only does the decor match the 1950s, with photos of movies stars, a miniature drive in movie theater and light blue and pink decor, but waiters and waitresses also dress like they are from the 1950s.

Rubin said the atmosphere reminds many people of the time period, and is also a fun place to hang out.

He said the food will also remind customers of a 1950s diner.

“Our main items are burgers, shakes and fries, also cheesesteaks, shrimp burgers, onion rings, chicken sandwiches and frozen custard.”

Rubin said the restaurant also has a challenge called the ‘Big A Challenge,’ that involved eating almost 50 ounces of meat on a hamburger bun.

“If you eat it in a half hour or less, you don’t pay,” Rubin said.

He said they have already had three customers attempt the challenge since they opened. None were able to complete the challenge.

Rubin said opening weekend of the restaurant was a success and customers were pleased with the food.

“It was a terrific day,” he said. “It exceeded our expectations.”

He said they will have a grand opening at the restaurant sometime in February.

Rubin and Hartzell, are already working on their second Hwy 55 location in the area. Rubin said the restaurant will be located near the University of Cincinnati.

“I love the fact that we’ve put a package together,” Rubin said about Hwy 55. “It’s fun to come to work when customers and team members are excited and happy.”