Hillside Duluth - Where It
All Started
Smash burgers. Philly cheesesteaks. Hand-spun malts.
About Our Hillside Location
Welcome to the original King of Creams location, proudly rooted in Duluth’s Central Hillside neighborhood. This is where it all began—grass-fed burgers, real Philly cheesesteaks, and hand-dipped ice cream, served fast, fresh, and with family pride.
Our Story
1How It Started
We call this location Hillside because it’s located in the heart of Duluth’s Central Hillside neighborhood. St. Mary’s Medical Center was once right across the avenue but has since been torn down and relocated two blocks down toward Lake Superior. Nearby is Duluth’s Old Central High School, which is now featured on our new trailer wrap design.
2Finding the Right Space
After searching for two years for our first brick-and-mortar location (this location we now call Hillside, which was once Jim’s Hamburgers—a local favorite—and later a Quiznos), we took another look at the recently vacated space and met with the landlord. He was eager to fill the vacancy and willing to take a risk by letting us pursue our dream.
3The Leap of Faith
After the lease was signed in October 2014, we spent the next few months making it our own—installing ventilation, fire suppression, and other key upgrades. I walked away completely from my career in mechanical trade work as a mechanical maintenance supervisor at the local federal building.
4Opening Day
We had a grand opening in March of 2015 with lines wrapped around the building for two straight days. After that, things settled down and the slow, steady grind of earning the area's business and trust began. I worked seven days a week during those first couple of years to make sure this would work.
5Family-Run, Hillside Strong
This location is managed by our son James, who has been part of the business since he was a preteen. He started out in the ice cream truck and learned the ins and outs of cooking and customer service at large events in the food trailer. His sister, our daughter Aisha, assists James with management duties. Like James, she began in the trucks and built confidence through hands-on experience. My mother, Laura, also works at this location. She’s our head cashier during the off-season. Once ice cream truck season starts, she returns as our full-time driver.
6Where It’s All Led Us
This location marked the beginning of what we’ve ultimately become today. We’re proud to be serving an underserved area, and I never imagined that the neighborhood I grew up in as a child would one day be home to our first restaurant.
Local Favorites
Top Picks from Hillside Locals:
Philly Cheesesteak – Thin-sliced ribeye steak, grilled onions and green peppers, melted provolone, served on a bakery-fresh Amoroso roll.
Hot Honey Chicken Tenders – Hand-breaded and glazed in our signature sweet-and-spicy hot honey sauce.
Double Smash Cheeseburger – Two grass-fed beef patties, melted American cheese, on a golden brown artisan bun.
Optional Favorite: Ask about our ultra-rich, hand-spun malts-blended extra thick and made to order.
Location
Address: 502 E 4th Street, Duluth, MN 55805
Phone: 218-725-9000
Hours:
Mon–Thurs: 11am–7pm
Fri–Sat: 11am–9pm
Sun: 12:30pm–7pm
Cold Beer
Cider
Order Online
Call Ahead
Hard Sodas
Seltzers
Dine-In
Take Out
Drive-Thru Pickup Available
Parking: In front or on the side via metered street parking (free after 5pm and on weekends)
Or use the 4th Street Business District parking lot across the street, which is free all day.