After 75 years, Ab’s still serves up more than just burgers

75 years, of dishing up delicious food and heartwarming memories that live in with every bite

Where it all began............

Ab’s Drive-In: A West Valley Classic with a Fresh Start

After more than 50 years serving up burgers, shakes, and small-town charm at 5419 West 3500 South, Ab’s Drive-In, a beloved West Valley institution, moved to a brand-new home in 2003 at 4591 South 5600 West—just south of Hunter High School and near the USANA Amphitheatre.

The transition marked the end of an era and the beginning of another, still rooted in the same values that made Ab’s famous: fresh food, friendly faces, and a retro, welcoming vibe.

Founded in 1951 when Ab and Dot Beutler rented an old tin shack and set it up in front of their house, Ab’s began as a seasonal hobby—a way for Ab to cook, connect with the community, and earn enough for family Disneyland trips. A full-time Kennecott worker, Ab would sometimes close the shop on a good fishing day. But his passion for food and people turned the small shack into a city staple.

By the 1990s, their son Bart Beutler and daughter-in-law Elizabeth had taken over, recognizing the true value of what Ab built: not just a burger joint, but a place where neighbors gathered, families worked together, and regulars became lifelong friends.

Over the years, the restaurant evolved through four locations, each one a step forward in space and service—culminating in the 2003 opening of the new building. Designed with Ab’s original dream in mind, the new spot features an open kitchen, retro design, stainless countertops, and the cherished walk-up window.

The Beutler children—seven in total—grew up working the counter, cleaning tables, and learning the value of community service. For nearly three decades, Ab and Dot never needed to hire employees—the family pitched in, making Ab’s a true multigenerational success story.

As Elizabeth put it, “We wish Ab was still here to see this. It was always his dream to have an open kitchen where he could cook and visit with the customers.”

Though the location has changed, the heart of Ab’s Drive-In remains the same—a place where the food is always fresh, the welcome is always warm, and the memories are made one Fatboy burger at a time.

Dot—Dorothy Johnson Beutler, born in 1924 in Salt Lake City—met Ab shortly after he returned from serving in World War II. They met at a church dance in 1945, fell in love, and were married just a few months later. Together, they built a life, raised seven children, and created a legacy with the founding of Ab’s Drive-In. When Dot passed away in June 2012, her obituary included a fitting request: “Instead of flowers, please remember her by sharing chocolates with someone you love.”

For over 75 years, Ab’s Drive-In has been more than a place to eat—it’s where generations have gathered, laughed, and shared delicious memories that are still being served fresh today.