I live in Florida but I was born & raised in East Chicago. I grew up with Zel's, I use to go to the one on Columbus Dr when I was in Washinton high. The food was always great as it is today, though with a few changes to the menu. The fries are different, not the same old fashion ones but it's ok. ZEL'S was first founded in East Chicago, on the Harbor side then on Indianapolis Blv before it was purchased from the original owner. After it was purchased by the new owners they closed the one on Indianapolis Blv & kept the one in East Chicago, Harbor & the one in Hammond open. Now you see them poping up all over Indiana but still need to franchise it on the stock market so they can start spreading through out the country.