Inside Original Illinois Burger King, But Not That Burger King

When you think of Burger King, what comes to mind? I think I know the answer to that question, but I can make a case that what should come to mind is the original Burger King in Mattoon, Illinois, but it's not THAT Burger King.

Sets, Streets & Eats via YouTube just paid a visit to the original Burger King built by Gene Hoots and his wife in 1952 in Mattoon, Illinois. It predated the other national Burger King.

I love the fact that this small Illinois Burger King won a court battle against the big daddy Burger King where they were allowed to keep their name and stay in business, but the big chain couldn't come within 20 miles of Mattoon, Illinois. That's classic. Put one in the win column for the little guys for a change and this tiny Illinois burger place continues to go strong 72 years later.