Fred’s Burger Chalet: A Swiss-Inspired Burger Adventure in Granger
This beauty was built in 1964. It housed many wonderful restaurants. Don Antonio's, Tampicos and.... Fred's Burger Chalet.
Fred’s Burger Chalet: A Swiss-Inspired Burger Adventure in Granger
In the heart of Granger during the 1960s and '70s, families flocked to a place where dinner was more than just a meal—it was an experience. That place was Fred’s Burger Chalet, located at 2010 W 3500 South, where hearty food, whimsical décor, and hands-on fun made every visit unforgettable.
The Chalet stood out not just for its distinctive rustic Swiss-style architecture, but for its warm and jovial atmosphere. With scalloped wood paneling, hand-painted Alpine motifs, and employees dressed in yodeler hats and vests, it truly felt like a little slice of the Alps had landed in the middle of Granger.
Under the cheerful leadership of Walter Clark, a University of Utah graduate and local Granger resident, Fred’s Burger Chalet became a hub for community dining. Walt brought not just management expertise, but a spirit of hospitality that kept families coming back. His own son, a proud connoisseur of Chalet cuisine, once earned a "Champion Eater" blue ribbon, a prize given to kids who finished every bite of their meal.
But what really set Fred’s apart? Two words: Smorg-Burger.
This wasn’t your average burger—it was a customizable char-broiled masterpiece. Diners could choose their size:
Child Burger – always just 25 cents
Regular ¼ lb Smorg-Burger
King Size ½ lb Smorg-Burger
Each burger began with a specially-made sesame seed bun and a premium low-fat, flavorful beef patty, grilled to perfection. But the real magic happened at the Smorg-Bar—a long, colorful line of toppings and condiments where customers built their burgers just how they liked them. It was DIY dining before it was trendy.
And then came dessert. Fred’s had a do-it-yourself sundae bar that was every sweet tooth’s dream. You could top your scoop with strawberries, chocolate, caramel, marshmallow, chopped nuts, pineapple, or all of the above. For kids, it was heaven. For parents, it was a surefire way to make dinnertime fun.
Beyond the food, Fred’s Burger Chalet was also a favorite for birthday parties and family picnics, thanks to its outdoor spaces and kid-friendly vibe. All three Chalet locations in the valley shared this unique charm, but the Granger location held a special place in the hearts of locals.
Though the A-frame building is now gone, the memories of Fred’s Burger Chalet remain strong in West Valley’s collective heart. It wasn’t just about feeding people—it was about bringing them together for food, fun, and a taste of Swiss-inspired Americana.
— Sheri Kimball Biesinger
