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What makes a community? What are the necessary ingredients to cook up a local society? People, of course – as well as structure and organization. Establishments too – public and private – are vital pieces of a community, wherever that community may be. They can be where we gather, where we sit and think, express our political, social or religious convictions, or maybe, just eat a hamburger with cheese and french fried potatoes.
Krekel’s Custard on N. Grand Ave. in Springfield is certainly an establishment – an institution – of the area, north-end neighborhoods, and greater Springfield as a whole. It is an unassuming spot in appearance to an outsider – yet even to them, it hints at what it conceals away. Cars are parked waiting whenever its doors are open, and people are standing out at the order window just as thick on a cold day as a warmer one.
Inside, a clean white restaurant sports various tables, and flat-screen TVs as the menu boards. The smell of burgers, fries, and other tasty treats – the gentle, collective humming of many different people and voices when they are all speaking softly to each other, only separately; a military man and his significant other are taking lunch, laughing and beaming all the while.
If you pay attention when you’re in there, you could even notice that the picture of the man grilling hamburgers as some kids hangout and chat is none other than the founder himself, William “Bill” Krekel; his obituary – with excerpts taken below – states his life both plainly and succinctly.
“Bill was born May 12, 1923, in Decatur, the son of Fred and Mary Krekel. He was in the Army Air Corps and served his country in World War II. In 1953, Bill Krekel opened his first restaurant at Prairie and Broadway. He later moved to 1200 E. Eldorado, then to 801 E. Wood. Bill then bought the Dairy Maid at 2320 E. Main St. Next, he helped develop, with his son, Rick, Krekels North on Woodford Street, followed by Krekels West in the Colonial Mall. The next Krekels to open was in Springfield on North Grand Avenue East, and then finally Krekels in Mount Zion on Illinois 121.”
This, then, is where Krekel’s Custard comes from. And who continues this legacy on the north end of Springfield today? It remains a family spot, for families. One of Bill’s own granddaughters – Suzie Wichmann – purchased the custard spot from her grandfather before his passing in 2003, and has recently rejuvenated the classic burger joint a bit further; now, as the lone owner of the local haunt of so many, she is well aware that her job and work are only just beginning.
When WMAY was hungry just the other day, we stopped into Krekel’s Custard in Grandview to grab a very, tasty, burger, get to know the owner, hear some of the history of Krekel’s, and about how it intends to grow more memories across the many years – perhaps decades – to come.
The following are some of the answers that we received over a cheeseburger, a milkshake and a few laughs!
WMAY: The pleasure is absolutely all ours, of course. We would very much – first off – love to hear about you, Suzie, as well as about your own history; furthermore, tell us please what has brought you to the point you are currently at with Krekel’s on N. Grand Ave. in Grandview?
SW: I worked in all the Krekel restaurants as a teenager growing up and was always a part of the family business. In 2003, my ex-husband and I purchased Krekel’s from my grandfather, William (Bill) Krekel; he then passed away in November of that year.
WMAY: What inspired you to take on the challenge of owning and running the restaurant by yourself after a period of group ownership and operation?
SW: I decided to buy my co-owner out. He was the operating owner, and he wasn’t operating the business in a suitable manner. It needed change, and I felt it was the right time in my life to take it over and give the business the attention it needed to prosper.
WMAY: The history of the city of Springfield is a fascinating one to be sure. What do you think Krekel’s means to the city, the neighborhood, as well as to the region in general? Little community spots like Krekel’s are often serving up memories as well as hamburgers and lemon shakes – no? Additionally, how did Krekel’s come to be such a stalwart of communities around this area?
SW: Krekels has been a staple in this neighborhood for 30 years. It all started back in 1953 when my grandfather, Bill Krekel, opened his first hamburger stand on Eldorado St in Decatur. Customers come from all over to get the famous thin, flat burgers with crispy edges. It’s a family place. We have many families who continuously come back for the prices, good food and ice cream.
I believe our customers love Krekels because of what we do well, and I really want to focus on that and becoming as good as possible. We are a burger, fries, shake, and ice cream place, and we are going to be the best one of those in Springfield!
To answer the final part of the question, I just think it is a real family place. Nothing says American family night out like burgers and shakes – and our brand of burgers and shakes have been popular for quite a long time. That is due to my grandfather’s insistence on quality food and quality service; I want to continue that tradition.
WMAY: How have you noticed business to be over the time that you’ve owned the spot – with partners and now by just you yourself?
SW: In the first week I took over the business our sales increased 30 percent, and our Facebook page followers increased by 2000. We have received many compliments on the food and our renewed focus on running a clean, welcoming, family restaurant. As the owner, I have been present as much as I can at the restaurant and conversing with customers and listening to their suggestions. It’s been really great.
WMAY: What are some of your own dreams for what your Krekels could develop into alongside the community over the years to come?
SW: I want Krekels to retake its place in Springfield, particularly the north end. We have been feeding those people for a long time, and we want them all to keep with us. As I said, we are dedicated to serving good food in a family-friendly environment. It’s simple really. I am sure we will also introduce new ice cream and food specials regularly.
WMAY: Do you see many of the same folks across the weeks and months? What do those neighborly relationships mean to Krekel’s, its owner and its employees?
SW: Of course, we have our regular customers, and we know what they are going to order. They are our life-blood and we appreciate them so much. At the same time, we are seeing more new customers, and we love them as well. I really like that our customers are so loyal and some have been coming for many years. The employees know the regulars. We treat them well, and they always come back. We want to build that base.
WMAY: And, finally, does Krekel’s look to find – or does it have interest in looking for and finding, in the future – partnerships with community programs or charities to help assist the community which helps to sustain Krekels?
SW: Yes, of course. We have done a number of fundraising activities from Rochester’s football golf outing, to the Rumble on the Lake, to Glenwood’s girl’s basketball pink-out games. We want to continue to explore and grow those opportunities.
Our thanks to Suzie Wichmann, her family, and the whole entire Krekel’s Custard team on the north-end!
