Morrison Meat Pies on 35th:The Legacy of Blaine and LouGene Grant
J. Blaine & LouGene Grant — Granger Entrepreneurs and Community Pillars
Born and raised in Granger, Utah, J. Blaine Grant (1933–2021) grew up the son of Owen and LaVon Grant and graduated from Cyprus High School, where he played basketball and met the love of his life, LouGene Rees (1934–2012). They married shortly after graduation, beginning a lifetime of devotion that spanned nearly six decades.
Blaine served his country in the U.S. Army, stationed in Olympia, Washington, where the couple began their family. A dedicated provider, Blaine later worked as a milkman for Winder Dairy and as an agent for Farmers Insurance until his retirement. Blaine’s love for the outdoors—especially hunting, fishing, and tending the vibrant flowers around their St. George home—was matched only by his pride in his four daughters and their families.
LouGene, born in Malad, Idaho, was known for her warmth, hospitality, and ability to make everyone feel welcome. The “hostess with the mostest,” she brought family and friends together often, filling her home with laughter, good food, and love. Together, Blaine and LouGene embodied the heart of early Granger—faithful, hardworking, and family-centered.
DEEP ROOTS:
J. Blaine and LouGene Grant’s roots run deep in Granger’s early history. Blaine was the grandson of William and Susan Smith Grant, early settlers who helped build and strengthen the Granger community through hard work and faith. LouGene was the great-granddaughter of Manasseh and Mary Ann Smith, beloved pioneers whose family line contributed greatly to the growth and character of the area. Their families were among those who helped transform Granger from fertile farmland into a thriving, close-knit community.
Carrying that legacy forward, Blaine and LouGene became known not only for their dedication to family and faith, but also for bringing people together through their Morrison Meat Pie shop—a place where heritage, hard work, and hometown flavor met under one warm roof.
Morrison Meat Pies:
In the fall of October 1970, Blaine and LouGene brought a new flavor to the busy business corridor of 3500 South, proudly opening the doors of their Morrison Meat Pie franchise store. Known statewide for its flaky crusts and savory fillings, Morrison Meat Pies already had a loyal following, and the Grants’ new shop quickly became a beloved local spot.
The menu offered more than just the signature meat pies. Customers could enjoy regular breakfasts, hearty luncheons, steaming bowls of chili, beef stew, and even beef-broth specials. But the real highlight was the Tuesday and Thursday special—fresh, piping-hot meat pies for just $1. For many, picking up one of these golden pastries became a cherished weekly tradition.
Located at 3145 West 3500 South, Morrison’s arrival reflected West Valley’s transformation in the 1970s. Once dotted with small farms and dairies, the area was becoming a bustling commercial hub. Restaurants like Morrison’s provided quick, affordable meals for the growing workforce and busy families, while also offering a sense of community in a changing landscape.
Though Morrison Meat Pies eventually faded from Utah’s culinary scene, many still remember the warm, savory aroma that greeted them when they stepped into Blaine and LouGene’s shop. For those who grew up in the area, a dollar meat pie wasn’t just lunch—it was a piece of home, a memory, and a connection to Granger’s past.
