Stewart's Root Beer Stand Celebrates 100th Year

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

Stewart’s Root Beer Stand | MarionMade

Stewart’s Root Beer – Marion Convention and Visitors Bureau

MarionMade! is a program of Marion Technical College.

Chapel Hill House- Built on a Foundation of Hope
Their mission is simple. Chapel Hill House exists to provide a place for pediatric cancer families to visit, without cost, for a weekend together away from busy schedules and treatments. It is a place for the healing powers of serenity, relaxation, and family time to take effect. This amazing place- Chapel Hill House, exists just […]Read More »
SBDC in Downtown Marion Helps Business Owners
The Small Business Development Center (SBDC) may be one of Marion’s best-kept secrets. Region 6 of the SBDC serves an eight-county area and operates a satellite office in the new Marion Tech Downtown location on the 2nd floor of 107 N. Main Street. Director, Michalina Lacy, is available there on the first Monday and third […]Read More »
Marion Victim Assistance Program Helps Local Survivors of Crime
For 35 years, the Marion Victim Assistance Program (VAP) has been a support and guide to local victims of crime. Betsy Abbott and Courtney Rittenour connect crime victims to resources including emergency assistance, emotional support, and guidance through the court system. These women have helped thousands of local victims of all types of crime, including […]Read More »
Community Gets Makeover through Love Our Neighborhoods Group
Love Our Neighborhoods is a grassroots group of city officials and volunteers who are not only cleaning up Marion but also improving the quality of life for many local homeowners and tenants. The group is focused on revitalizing the Marion community by improving neighborhoods. It started in the summer of 2020 and has expanded since […]Read More »