Kent’s IGA: Hunter’s Corner Store with Heart
Kent Dastrup and Kent’s Foodtown: A Cornerstone of Community Service
In a time when neighborhoods were growing and the spirit of entrepreneurship was strong, Kent Dastrup brought something deeply personal and lasting to the heart of Granger: a locally owned grocery store where kindness, quality, and community came first.
Kent Dastrup was born on September 5, 1927, in Provo, Utah, to Doyle and Berniece Dastrup. After graduating from Provo High School, he proudly served his country in the U.S. Navy during World War II. Upon returning, Kent attended BYU, where he met and married his sweetheart, Erva Dean Brown, in the Salt Lake Temple on June 10, 1948. Together, they raised five children and shared a love of faith, family, music, and hard work.
Kent devoted more than four decades to the grocery industry. He served as a successful store director for Albertson’s, opening four new stores across Utah and Idaho. Known for his integrity, efficiency, and natural leadership, Kent was respected both by colleagues and the customers he served.
After retiring from Albertson’s, Kent and Erva Dean embarked on a new chapter — founding their own grocery store, Kent’s Foodtown. Fall 1977, the store became a beloved part of the Granger community. Kent’s Foodtown stood out not only for its local ownership, but also for the warmth and consistency Kent brought into the store every day.
Customers often recall Kent’s friendly smile, attention to detail, and the pride he took in serving the people of his neighborhood. He created more than just a grocery store — he built a place where people felt welcome. Whether it was stocking shelves, greeting families, or making sure a child left with a smile, Kent infused his business with the same values he lived by: service, faith, and kindness.
Beyond the store, Kent and Erva Dean sang together in the Tabernacle Choir for 13 years and served two missions for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints on Temple Square. Kent also served as a temple worker in both the St. George and Jordan River temples, quietly and faithfully giving back in every phase of his life.
Kent passed away in 2014 at the age of 87, leaving behind a legacy of devotion — to his faith, to his family, and to his community. Though Kent’s Foodtown may no longer stand on its original ground, the values it represented continue to echo in West Valley City’s memories of what local business once looked like: personal, dependable, and full of heart.
