If you’re looking for a good burger and a friendly atmosphere, Granny’s Drive-In is the place to be. Tucked into what was once a family home in Heber, Utah, this beloved drive-in has served comfort food and small-town charm for decades. Though it officially opened in 1982, longtime locals will tell you it has been around longer—passed down like a treasured tradition. Now, under the care of Armando Quiñones, Granny’s is evolving with the town around it, holding tight to its roots while keeping the grill hot all year long.
Set in the heart of the Heber Valley, Granny’s benefits from its unique location—just a short drive from popular destinations like Deer Creek, Jordanelle, and the Uinta Mountains. Heber itself is a crossroads for outdoor adventure and rural charm, drawing visitors year-round for skiing, hiking, fishing, and scenic drives. That steady flow of travelers, mixed with a loyal local base, gives Granny’s its diverse and welcoming energy. Whether you’re passing through on a road trip, coming down from Park City, or heading home from a day on the lake, Granny’s is the place that invites you to stop, stay a while, and enjoy a bite of something familiar. It’s not just a restaurant—it’s part of the journey.
From Grandma’s House to Main Street Landmark
Granny’s Drive-In began with Jan and Allen Eggleston in 1982, who transformed Allen’s grandmother’s old home on Main Street into a roadside burger and shake destination. With 57 flavors of towering milkshakes and more than 30 burger options, the tiny restaurant quickly became a sensation. The house itself was originally a Sears “kit” home built on top of an old sandstone foundation—believed to be part of a former farm outbuilding—carrying with it decades of personal and town history.
In 2005, Melissa Laird stepped into that legacy. After spotting the building listed for sale and seeing its potential, she and her business partner bought the restaurant, bringing Granny’s back to life after a short closure. The building needed major renovations to meet health codes, including new kitchen equipment and HVAC systems, but after four months of vigorous work, it reopened in October 2005.
Melissa ran Granny’s from 2005 to 2016, reviving its charm and steering it through years of bustling summer business. “It was a struggle for the first couple of years to build back the business,” she recalled, “but we got into a good rhythm of Memorial Day to Halloween.” Halloween became a festive tradition—complete with costumes, shake coupons, and even a handmade shake costume the staff would take turns wearing to wave in customers.
Hamburgers, Shakes, And a Side of Mischievous Ghost?
Of all the memories Melissa has of Granny’s, few are more enduring—or strange—than the story of Ivan, the resident ghost. Though Melissa never experienced much herself, her teenage staff often told stories of doors swinging open on their own, items mysteriously falling off shelves, and a general sense of something—or someone—being present, especially late at night.
The ghost was officially named when a young boy, the son of one of her cooks, pointed to a corner of the restaurant and said he was talking to “Ivan.” From that point on, Ivan became the staff’s go-to scapegoat for every mishap. “Who left the fry sauce out?” Ivan. “Who forgot to lock the back door?” Ivan.
Melissa shared a particular memory of when she and an employee opened up one morning to find every bottle of condiments stacked neatly on a single table—something no one had done. It was a moment that even Melissa, usually the skeptical type, couldn’t explain.
Passing the Torch
In 2016, Melissa sold Granny’s and opened Melvin’s Public House—Heber’s local sports bar and pub, passing the torch to Armando Quiñones.
Now, under Armando’s leadership, Granny’s continues its tradition while embracing thoughtful change. Originally a summer-only stop, it now welcomes customers year-round thanks to Armando’s vision and the dedication of his team. “It’s small, but it makes people feel at home—like they’re walking into someone’s home to eat,” he said. That warmth is still the heart of the business.
The menu blends longtime favorites like the Western and avocado burgers with new ideas, like the mango salsa-topped jalapeño burger or the Delta First Class shake made with espresso syrup and Biscoff cookie butter. Staff members help decide what sticks and what rotates out, based on customer feedback and seasonal rhythms.
A Gathering Place for Generations
The staff have connected with many guests over the years, learning names, favorite orders, and even pieces of family history. It’s not unusual to see three generations gathered around the same table—grandparents who once came as kids now bringing their grandchildren to taste the same beloved flavors. Armando and his team have even met several customers over 100 years old who swear they’ve been visiting since the 1960s. These deep family ties give Granny’s a rich sense of history that can’t be recreated anywhere else.
Granny’s has earned recognition well beyond the Heber Valley. It’s been named Business of the Month and frequently ranks among the state’s best burger spots. But for those working behind the counter and grill, the real success isn’t in awards—it’s in the familiar faces returning week after week. Whether someone is stopping in for the first time or has been a regular for years, the mission stays the same: serve good food made with care and treat every guest like family.
In an industry known for quick turnover and fleeting loyalties, Granny’s quietly defies the norm. The team here operates more like a family than just coworkers. Communication flows easily, respect runs deep, and the result is a dining experience that feels natural and welcoming. Transitioning from a summer-only spot to a year-round restaurant wasn’t without its challenges, but it was made possible by the dedication of a small, loyal crew, many of whom stayed through the change. Their commitment speaks volumes about the kind of environment Granny’s has fostered.
Looking Ahead
Heber is growing, and with it, the local food scene is changing. “Heber’s growing fast,” Armando said. “With more restaurants and more options coming in, we’ve learned that staying true to who we are means more than chasing trends.” New places open regularly, each bringing something fresh to the table. In this evolving landscape, Armando could have chosen to chase trends or expand rapidly. Instead, he has chosen to dig in deeper, earning trust by staying true to what Granny’s does best. Its strength lies not in being the newest or flashiest place but in being a steady, comforting presence people can rely on.
Looking ahead, Armando’s focus is on refining what is already working—not on flashy makeovers or franchising. What you see here is genuine and welcoming, a rare feeling in today’s fast-paced dining world. Growth isn’t the goal; it’s about doing what they do better every day, with care and attention to the community. The space itself still reflects Granny’s roots.
Stepping into Granny’s is like entering a familiar kitchen filled with laughter, stories, and memories—sometimes spooky ones. Generations return, friendships are built over burgers, and the feeling of home never fades. Granny’s isn’t swayed by the ever-changing dining scene—it’s holding steady, building on a legacy of good food, good people, and just a touch of small-town mystery.
Whether you’re in the mood for a raspberry shake, a Western burger, or maybe even a chat with Ivan, Granny’s will always be there, welcoming you back, one burger at a time.
