An O’Fallon burger joint is in new hands as concept founders take full ownership
In case you missed it, Hi-Pointe Drive-In at 630 W. Highway 50 in O’Fallon has new owners.
Sort of.
The eatery, which opened in April 2022, is in the hands of the concept’s founders, Charlie Downs, Mike Johnson and Ben Hillman.
Word of the change in ownership hit the location’s social media in January.
“The founding Hi-Pointe team has invaded the O’Fallon IL location and we are takin’ over!!!” stated Jan. 24 posts on Facebook and Instagram.
With a bit of fun marketing featuring the phrase, “New owners, who ‘dis?” and graphics on socials and a banner at the location, Hi-Pointe O’Fallon celebrated a grand reopening Saturday and Sunday, Feb. 1-2.
The restaurant, known for its creative – and often massive – burgers was owned by franchisee Jackie Roach, along with Downs, Johnson and Hillman.
Roach stated in 2022 that she worked with Charlie and Carolyn Downs for about 18 years. She said that Charlie Downs encouraged her to open a Hi-Pointe, according to a news release from April 2022.
“I love Hi-Pointe and took the suggestion seriously,” Roach stated at the time. “O’Fallon is one of the fastest-growing areas in Metro East. Our family calls O’Fallon home, and we want more businesses coming over to this side of the river. I’m excited to make Hi-Pointe an integral part of the community.”
According to Molly Hitzeman, director of brand marketing and social media for Hi-Pointe Drive-In, the change in ownership came about because Hillman and Johnson have “always wanted to be the sole owners of all locations.”
They approached Roach and made an offer to take over the location, “allowing them full ownership over the brand,” Hitzeman wrote in an email to the BND.
She also stated that Downs is no longer involved in the brand.
Since the change in ownership, minimal staffing changes have been made, and the Hi-Pointe support team introduced additional training and support for the staff, allowing them to “execute Hi-Pointe’s brand standards to the highest level possible,” Hitzeman also wrote.
The email concluded that Hillman is “confident that with the support of his corporate team that we can serve the best burgers, fries and shakes in town! The Hi-Pointe brand thrives off of embracing and supporting the local community and the team is excited to show O’Fallon what we are all about.”
About Hi-Pointe Drive-In
Hi-Pointe Drive-In at 630 W. Highway 50 in O’Fallon opened April 28, 2022, and was the first Illinois location for the St. Louis-based burger and sandwich joint. Hours of operation on the website are listed as 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. every day.
A second Illinois location opened in Edwardsville in October 2023.
In addition to the O’Fallon and Edwardsville locations, Hi-Pointe is also available in St. Louis, Kirkwood, Chesterfield, Cottleville and Ballwin, Missouri.
Hi-Pointe’s sister restaurants include Sugarfire, Sugarfire Pie, Cyrano’s and Chicken Out.
For more info about Hi-Pointe Drive-In, visit hipointedrivein.com.
This story was originally published February 6, 2025 at 3:13 PM.
