We’re not talking about the chain. The first locally-owned Burger King in Illinois was actually an independent restaurant that started as an ice cream stand.

Forget about Whoppers and chicken fries and try one of Illinois’ best original burgers. Check out this local dive’s interesting history below.

Mattoon is home to one Burger King, and it's the first one. The nearest chain location is about 25 miles north in Tuscola.
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The Hootses bought the place as an ice cream stand in 1952. It was called Frigid Queen then.
Facebook/Burger King
Over the next several years, it expanded to include burgers, seating, and parking.
Facebook/Burger King
In 1957, it was named Burger King by Mrs. Hoots who chose the name because she believed every queen needs her king.
Facebook/Burger King

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The name was registered in 1959, and Burger King became an Illinois trademark.
Facebook/Burger King
In the 1960s, a Burger King out of Florida began expanding to Illinois, and the Hootses sued.
Facebook/Burger King
The case between the two Burger Kings was an important one under the Lanham Act, which is about trademarks and being compensated for copyright infringement.
Facebook/Burger King
The courts ruled that the original Burger King has rights to the name in Mattoon but the chain has rights to it elsewhere. It also mandated that the chain could not open a location within 20 miles of the Illinois restaurant.
Facebook/Burger King
Locals don't mind, though. They know the best place to get a quick meal (as well as some childhood nostalgia) is at the first Burger King ever to exist in Illinois.
Facebook/Burger King

The original Burger King is located at 1508 Charleston Ave. Mattoon, Illinois, and you can learn more about it on the restaurant’s Facebook page.

If you love old restaurants, check out eight diners in Illinois that have been featured on TV.

Have you ever been to this restaurant? Share your experiences and photos with us below!

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