George Anast: Granger’s Original Market Man and Community Builder

Born in Tripoli, Greece, in 1913, George Anast immigrated to America at the age of eight to join his father, Chris Anast, who had arrived earlier to work at Utah Copper. In 1917, the family moved to 1755 West 3500 South in Granger, Utah, and that same year, George and his father opened the Granger Market at 1989 W 3500 South—the first grocery store and butcher shop between the Jordan River and Magna. At the time, there were only a handful of homes in the area, and George knew every family by name.

The Granger Market quickly became a cornerstone of the community. It offered not only groceries, but coal and gas, delivered first by horse and wagon. George even installed a private trunk line to the Orem Railroad to accommodate coal deliveries. He was a visionary who helped usher in the development of the area, contributing to subdivisions like Granger Park and owning land that later housed the Sinclair Service Station, Jester Tavern, Beauty World School, Bird’s Flooring, KD Specialties, and many more.

George was more than a businessman—he was a benefactor and a beloved figure. Known for his fairness and humility, he treated his employees like family. As one longtime clerk, Mrs. Muriel Losee, said: “He never bosses us, but treats us as an equal.” Another, Mrs. Ethel Lyre, added: “We work together just like a big, happy family. You can't say anything bad about him.” Their loyalty speaks volumes—Frank Adanson worked with George for 30 years.

He beautified the area around his properties, advocated for sidewalks, curbing, and trees, and collaborated with builders like Research Homes to improve the business district. George’s desire was always to see Granger grow into a beautiful and proud community.

A lifelong supporter of community affairs, George was honored as an “Outstanding Businessman”, a title well earned. He helped many families in quiet, generous ways—extending personal loans without interest, offering help to those in need, and contributing to civic growth.

George was educated at Plymouth and Monroe Schools, crediting his first-grade teacher, Mrs. Hugh Latimer, for teaching him English. He read and wrote fluent Greek, remained proud of his heritage, and was an active member of the Greek Orthodox Church and AHEPA, a national Greek-American organization. He was also a charter member of the Granger Lions Club, going door-to-door to sell calendars to fund Granger Park.

He married Lorraine Bawden of Granger, and they raised three children: Connie Bibye, Tessi Maverakas, and Chris Anast. They lived many years in their original home on 3500 South, later relocating to a white brick house George built at 3955 S 3600 West when the street grew too busy.

After 66 years of continuous operation, the Granger Market closed in fall of 1983 to make way for road widening along 3500 South. George passed away in 1986 at the age of 80, leaving behind a powerful legacy of generosity, progress, and true community spirit.

George Anast didn’t just run a market—he was the market. And in many ways, he was Granger itself.

The Heart of Granger: George Anast and His Market Legacy