Big Half century: Classic Utah drive-in celebrates 50 years

Time almost stands still at Hires Big H, on the corner of 700 East and 400 South. History repeats itself daily, with made-to-order burgers, thick hand-cut fries and frosty root beer floats that have been menu mainstays since 1959. It's one of the few burger joints that still has a "car hop" service, where a server comes out to your car to take and deliver your order. There's also table service inside, but none of the fast-food style of ordering at the register. This humble "hamburger and root beer stand," as it was called by founder Don C. Hale, has survived through 50 years of American dining. It's a classic that has withstood expanding national restaurant chains, the low-fat frenzy, the vegetarian movement and ethnic food trends. It's been written up in both Gourmet magazine and the Wall Street Journal, and over the years,... [read full story]                    

powered by