• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content

MarionMade

People, Places, Products, Programs

Visit Us On FacebookVisit Us On TwitterVisit Us On YoutubeCheck Our FeedVisit Us On Instagram
We Are Generous!We Are Having Fun!We Are Presidential!
  • Get Involved
  • About
  • Events
    • MarionMade! 5k Sign Up
  • People
  • Places
  • Products
  • Programs
  • Links
  • Contact

Stewart’s Root Beer Stand Celebrates 100th Year

By Wendy Weichenthal on February 24, 2025

An orange sign points to Stewart's Root Beer Stand.
Stewart’s Root Beer Stand at 1036 North Main Street.

Despite the February chill, Stewart’s Root Beer Stand at 1036 North Main Street opened to a packed lot for its 100th season.

“The root beer comes in an ice-cold mug. It’s even colder today!” said owner Michelle Whitaker with a smile.

Just like the 1950s, car hops still bring the food right to your car window, though customers had their heaters on for opening day, Feb. 13, 2025.

Customers Line Up on Opening Day 

Katie Dyer and Jarod Christian of Marion picked up an order inside the root beer stand.

Three customers, a man, a woman, and a teen, smile inside the root beer stand.
Harmony Dyer, Katie Dyer, and Jarod Christian are life-long customers.

“We’ve been coming here our whole lives,” Christian said.

Dyer was glad that she could enjoy her favorite food on her birthday.

“I get the grilled cheese and the veal sandwiches. It’s one of the only places you can find veal. They’re amazing here!” Dyer said.

Christian came for the curly fries with cheese and the root beer floats.

A woman and a man smile while holding food inside their car.
Macie Easterday and Lance Travis enjoyed the root beer stand on opening day.

Macie Easterday of Marion is pregnant and was thrilled that Stewarts opened.

“I’ve been waiting for them to open the whole time I’ve been pregnant. I’ve been craving it!”

Easterday found the sweet corn nuggets worth the wait.

Stewart’s Root Beer Stand is Locally Owned and Operated

A woman with a white knit cap, blue eyes, glasses, a smile, a sweatshirt and a black jacket smiles behind a black and white countertop. A menu is visible in the background.
Michelle Whitaker, owner

Whitaker grew up in Marion. She graduated from Marion City Schools and The Ohio State University at Marion. She also earned a master’s degree from the University of Findlay. Whitaker taught in local schools before the family business in 2013. Whitaker is proud to be MarionMade!

“I’ve been here my whole life!” Whitaker said.

Experienced Staff Makes a Difference

A photo of 8 employees smiling in front of the counter.
The staff at Stewart’s. (Photo submitted by Michelle Whitaker)

Whitaker said, in addition to the nostalgia, her employees make Stewart’s a success.

“We have a great staff that comes back year after year. They have all been here for years. They are ready to go back to work in January,” Whitaker said.

Kylie Gray is starting her seventh season as a car hop while also taking classes at Marion Technical College.

A young woman with long, blonde, wavy hair; a bright smile; a knit cap and jacket holds three root beer floats in a tray.
Kaylie Gray serves root beer with a smile.

When asked what kept Gray coming back, she said, “Everything! It’s so much fun. I just love it.”

Stewart’s Root Beer Stand Has Long History

Frank Stewart opened the first Stewart’s Root Beer Stand outside of Mansfield in 1924 and quickly added more locations, including Marion. The root beer is the original recipe.

Many cars are parked around a small orange building with menus and speakers at each parking space.
Stewart’s Root Beer Stand opened to a packed lot for its 100th season.

Stewart’s Earns Rave Reviews

“The best root beer! I won’t drink any other!” said Paul Fultz on MarionMade!’s Facebook page.

“I love the nostalgia of it,” said Lyndsey Vance.

“My dad’s favorite! We enjoyed going with him!” said Sheryl Kibbey.

“Love this place!” said Marcetta Sharp.

Ed Leonard likes the friendliness of the staff and the good food.

“Stewart’s Root Beer Stand is one of my favorite places to eat!” said Kathleen Clemons-Keller.

While fans shared their favorite items, they agreed that Stewart’s is a Marion tradition that is still going strong one century after opening.

For more info:

Follow Stewart’s on Facebook

(740) 382-6807 

1036 North Main Street, Marion, Ohio 43302

Related Article:

Stewart’s Root Beer Stand | MarionMade

Stewart’s Root Beer – Marion Convention and Visitors Bureau

MarionMade! is a program of Marion Technical College. 

Recent MarionMade! Stories

  • MAPP: MarionMade! and a Model for Ohio Celebrating 40 Years

    Marion is fortunate to have many thriving social service organizations. Marion Adolescent Pregnancy Program (MAPP) is proud to be MarionMade! and serving the community for over 40 years. Its founder, Dr. James Bazzoli, retired from the board of directors in January 2020, but this was his brainchild, and his knowledge and guidance over the years […]Read More »
  • Memorial to Marion Soldiers, Sailors and Public Servants at Marion Cemetery

    Generations of Marion County residents have fought for our country. Inside the broad gates of the Historic Marion Cemetery stand memorials to service members from the Revolutionary War, the War of 1812, the Civil War, and World War II as well as local law enforcement and firefighters. The Soldiers’ and Sailors’ Memorial Chapel The Soldiers’ […]Read More »
  • WDIF-LP 97.5 FM

    HOME OF THE BLUES. Marion native, Spencer Phelps, has been a fan of radio as far back as he can remember. His official start in the radio industry was as a regular voice on local WDCM in the early 2000’s. He describes other ventures in local media including a regularly televised program on TV22, production […]Read More »
  • Huber Home

    Marion is home to numerous historic houses, and one of the most beautiful ones is the Huber Mansion built by Industrialist Frank Huber in 1908. Located at 416 East Church Street, the three-story, 8,100 square foot home is just a short walk from the Harding Presidential Center. The home’s first floor features craftsman woodwork throughout, […]Read More »

Share Your MarionMade! Story

Click Here to share your story about MarionMade! people, places, products, and programs!
  • Get Involved
  • About
  • Events
  • People
  • Places
  • Products
  • Programs
  • Links
  • Contact

Marion Area Convention & Visitors Bureau Downtown Marion Love INC Marion Public Library Marion Area Chamber of Commerce Marion CANDO! Marion Community Foundation United Way of Marion County Marion Technical College

© 2025 · MarionMade! is a community initiative led by Marion Technical College · Website is powered by Neighborhood Image