Michael Zaden

Michael Zaden (born c. 1952) is a former a restaurateur, known for his Zaden's Burgers & Fries chain.

Zaden served in the U.S. Air Force and earned his pilot's license. He grew up working in his parent's restaurants, The Coalyard and Zip's.

He started his own business, Zaden's Inc., in 1988 and opened up at 1100 3rd Avenue North. He expanded with locations in the AmSouth-Harbert Plaza, in Trussville and in Gardendale, which he later sold to franchise operators.

Zaden opened County Fare on Palisades Boulevard in December 1994. In March 1995 he took over the former Steel City Diner in Vestavia Hills and renamed it Zaden's Diner. Both those restaurants closed after a short run.

In 1996 he and Phyllis opened Mike's Hot Dogs in Homewood, specializing in Chicago-made all-beef hot dogs. He sold that last business to Kyle and Michelle Collum in 2012.

He and Phyllis moved to Atlanta to be closer to his grandchildren.

References

• Taylor, Rebecca (March 8, 1995) "Beyond burgers: Zaden is diversifying his culinary kingdom." Birmingham Post-Herald, p. E1
• Carlton, Bob (June 5, 2012) "Mike's Hot Dogs owner Zaden sells his business; new owners will keep the name and menu." The Birmingham News