Dee's Hamburgers (first Dee's)

The story

Dee Anderson opened the first Dee's in 1932 at 444 S. Main, in a tiny building with a row of stools. He sold hamburgers for five cents each. In 1954 he opened a true drive-in at 753 E. 2100 South, crediting its success to absolute cleanliness, family favorites, fast service, quality food and modest prices.

At its peak the chain had more than 50 drive-ins, a family restaurant chain and about 1,200 employees. It sold a franchise in South Africa in 1968. When McDonald's came to Utah, Dee's cut its hamburger price to 15 cents, and Anderson said it stayed profitable. Dee's was sold to Hardee's in 1982. Some of the remodeled buildings later became Carl's Jr. or Apollo Burger, some became Mexican restaurants, and others were demolished. Anderson died in 1997. Three Dee's Family Restaurants were still open in 2016.

What's There Now

I could not confirm what occupies 444 S. Main today.

Everything that was here

• 1932–present

  Dee's Hamburgers (first Dee's)Restaurant

  Dee Anderson opened a tiny stool-only hamburger stand here in 1932, the start of a chain that reached more than 50 drive-ins.

  See the map in 1933 →

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Nearby history