B&K Root Beer and BBQ

Location: 1917 W. Memorial Drive

Year Opened: 1956

Current Use: Vacant

B&K (Bergerson and Kenefick) Root Beer opened in 1956 as part of a midwestern chain of root beer stands which was started in 1940 in Wabash, Indiana and had over 300 locations at its peak.[1] It operated on a seasonal basis, closing in the winter and reopening each spring.[2] For many years it operated with the standard B&K menu found at all the other locations, mainly serving root beer and coney dogs.[3] That changed in 2013 when they added barbeque fare to the menu.[4] In addition, it served its local community by hosting regular car shows and providing catering for the local soft ball league.[5] In 2018, the restaurant added an expansion and began year-round service.[6] Unfortunately, B&K Root Beer and BBQ closed in 2022 due to the COVID-19 pandemic and remains vacant.[7]

[1] “About Us,” BK Root Beer Muncie, April 13, 2019. https://web.archive.org/web/20190413112752/http://bkrootbeermuncie.com/about-us/.

[2] Mickey Shuey, “Seasonal food stand store open in coming weeks,” The Star Press, March 25, 2016.

[3] “About Us,” BK Root Beer Muncie.

[4] Mickey Shuey, “B&K making strides; adds smoked foods, extended hours,” The Star Press, September 6, 2015.

[5] firebirdacef, “BK Rootbeer car show May 26 2019 muncie indiana,” YouTube Video, July 4, 2019, https://www.youtube.com/watch?app=desktop&v=SuJE2KQdUFo; Mark Flodder, interviewed by Caide Tomaszewski, February 1, 2024.

[6] Audrey J. Kirby, “A Muncie drive-in seeks expansion, and a new store is 'spicing' up McGalliard,” The Star Press, May 4, 2018, https://www.thestarpress.com/story/news/local/2018/05/04/summer-business-roundup-dairy-queen-remodel-new-store-spicing-up-mcgalliard-and-local-drive-seeking/564939002/.

[7] “1917 W Memorial Dr, Muncie, IN 47302,” Address History, https://www.addresshistory.com/1917-w-memorial-dr-muncie-in-47302#records.