From Dutch Oven Turkey to $1.35 Combos: The Foods We Loved at The Plump Turkey
The Plump Turkey – A Granger Favorite Born from Expertise, Heart, and Homegrown Utah Tradition
When John LaMont “Blackie” Blackham opened The Plump Turkey on May 5, 1973, Granger gained a restaurant that felt both new and instantly familiar. Located at 3164 West 3500 South, the family-style eatery quickly became a beloved neighborhood gathering place, known for generous portions, hometown comfort, and the smell of hot rolls and butter drifting through the air.
It is no surprise the restaurant became so successful—Blackie was the perfect owner.
Born and raised in Moroni, Utah, home of Utah’s famous turkey farms, he had years of hands-on experience raising turkeys with his father and brothers. He understood the industry from the ground up—feeding, caring for, and processing the birds—and had a deep respect for quality. Combined with his impressive education—a Master’s Degree in Business and time spent as a business professor at Southern Utah University—Blackie brought both expertise and professionalism to the venture.
The Plump Turkey wasn’t just a restaurant; it was the blending of Blackie’s heritage, education, and entrepreneurial spirit. And Granger residents loved it.
Opening Week – A Feast for $1.59
A May 3, 1973 newspaper advertisement proudly declared:
“The Plump Turkey Family Restaurant opens with a Combo Dinner for $1.59 — a $3.50 value!”
That special included:
Roast plump turkey
Moist dressing
Pan-fried turkey fillet from the Dutch oven
Dutch oven turkey stew
Cream-whipped potatoes and gravy
Homemade hot rolls with butter and honey
“Bring the whole family!” the ad invited—and they did.
A Menu Built Around Turkey… and Heart
The Plump Turkey menu was full of comforting, homemade dishes, many centered around the Blackham family’s signature ingredient. Regulars still remember:
Turkey Specialties
Turkey sandwiches
Turkey salads
Turkey dinners
Turkey fillets
Dutch oven turkey stew
Turkey steaks
Turkey & ham salad served with raspberry Jell-O and warm rolls
Beloved Favorites
Roast beef sandwiches
Cheeseburgers
Patty melts
Grilled cheese sandwiches
Ground chuck steak — regular ($2.45) or “Mighty Size” ($2.95)
Fiesta chili and hot chili
Ken’s fried chicken
Broiled or fried chicken dinners
Soup & crackers, including homemade clam chowder
One of the biggest hits was the Combo Platter for $1.35—
a “big cheeseburger with chopped hearts of lettuce and Thousand Island or Blue Cheese dressing, served with French fries.”
Homemade Desserts
No visit was complete without dessert:
Fresh homemade pies (banana cream, coconut cream, and more)
Fresh homemade ice cream
A Community Treasure
From the moment it opened, The Plump Turkey became a place where families gathered after church, teens shared fries after school, and neighbors connected over warm, simple, delicious meals. The restaurant reflected Blackie’s personality—friendly, hardworking, unpretentious, and full of heart.
Blackie operated The Plump Turkey from 1973 to 1980, leaving behind memories that still make longtime Granger and West Valley residents smile. His unique mix of Moroni turkey expertise, business education, and natural warmth made him the ideal owner of one of the area’s most nostalgic restaurants.