There’s Hope! The Root Beer Stand Is Open Again Published: February 23, 2021 Kalamazoo local staple, The Root Beer Stand's sign. The local drive-in restaurant had two locations, on Westnedge just north of Kilgore Road, and in Milwood, on Portage north of Cork Street. Photo: Bobby Guy (TSM) Okay, I'll say it. These words are right up there with "pitchers and catchers report..." The words I'm talking about are "The Root Beer Stand is Open." We're a little late to the celebration, as The Root Beer Stand opened up last week (and medals for the hardworking staff who shivered through that). But as I'm typing this, the sun is out and the temperature is within spitting distance of 50 (it's 46 degrees).