The Story Behind Our Beloved Crown Burger

A Crown Jewel in West Valley: The Story Behind Our Beloved Crown Burger

When you think of iconic eats in Utah, the name Crown Burger rises to the top like a sesame seed bun on a flame-grilled masterpiece. But for West Valley City residents, Crown Burger is more than a place to grab a burger — it’s a symbol of community, heritage, and entrepreneurial spirit. And it all comes full circle with one remarkable local couple: John and Rita Klonizos.

John Klonizos married Rita Katsanevas in 1962, joining together not just two hearts but also two families steeped in rich Greek traditions and a love for food. If the Katsanevas name sounds familiar, it’s because it's one of the driving forces behind Utah’s legendary Greek-owned burger restaurants — and that includes several Crown Burger locations. Among them is the West Valley Crown Burger, proudly owned and operated by John and Rita themselves.

While many Crown Burger fans know the name for its flame-broiled burgers piled high with pastrami, few realize just how deep its roots run in Utah history — or how Greek immigrants helped shape the state's fast-food identity. It all began in 1978, when two Greek entrepreneurs opened the very first Crown Burger at 200 South and 400 East in Salt Lake City. That small 70-seat location quickly became a sensation, with lines out the door and customers coming back again and again for the now-famous pastrami burger.

Success bred expansion. Just a year later, Rula Katzourakis’ brothers — Steve and Manuel Katsanevas — launched Crown Burger No. 2, and a wave of Greek-owned burger spots followed: Astro Burger, Apollo Burger, Olympus Burger, and more. The trend was unmistakable — Greek families had cornered the market on quality burgers, and Utahns were loving every bite.

West Valley's own Crown Burger stands proudly in this tradition. Rita, one of the Katsanevas siblings, and her husband John opened the location as part of this expanding family enterprise. Over the years, it has become a local institution — a place where families gather after ballgames, workers grab a quick lunch, and generations of loyal customers return for that unbeatable Crown Burger flavor.

Today, the Crown Burger name represents more than just a meal — it represents a legacy. From a small Greek immigrant dream to a beloved Utah tradition, and from downtown Salt Lake to the heart of West Valley, Crown Burger continues to serve up more than food. It serves history, hospitality, and a hearty helping of pride.

So the next time you bite into a pastrami-topped burger at the West Valley Crown Burger, remember — you’re not just enjoying one of the best burgers around. You’re savoring a slice of Utah’s Greek-American story, made possible by community pioneers like John and Rita Klonizos.

Let’s meet for Lunch at “The Crown”….2684 S 3200 W!