Thelma Mackay Thomas: The Woman Behind the Frostop Legacy

In the heart of Granger, long before West Valley City became what it is today, stood two local treasures:

The Granger Frostop and J&T Frostop. For decades, these drive-ins weren’t just burger joints—they were community gathering places where friends met, families shared meals, and memories were made over root beer floats and golden onion rings. And behind it all was one remarkable woman: Thelma Mackay Thomas.

Thelma was born and raised in Taylorsville, a proud descendant of early Utah pioneers. Her great-grandparents, Thomas and Sarah Mackay, were among the first settlers to cross the Jordan River and help build this region. That pioneering spirit lived on in Thelma, who carved out her own legacy with strength, warmth, and a relentless work ethic.

For 35 years, Thelma owned and operated the Granger Frostop and the J&T Frostop, shaping them into beloved landmarks of the west side. Locals still talk about those legendary onion rings—crisp, golden, and unmatched. "I still have never found onion rings that compare to Frostop," said Shaun M. And her root beer? "The best root beer and root beer floats on the earth!" declared Mike C.

But Thelma offered far more than just delicious food. She built a business rooted in kindness, community, and example. Employees remember her as a generous and respectful boss. “I worked at both of her Frotstops and she was always nice to the employees,” said Linda B. Others recall the way she treated neighbors and customers with genuine care and connection. “She was a fantastic sweet neighbor,” shared Janna M. “An amazing wife, mother, and friend to so many… a great example of love and hard work,” added Shauna H.

Thelma was admired not only for what she did but for who she was. “She taught me many things by her amazing example,” remembered Sharron J. “She was an amazing lady,” said DeAnn B. And Don C summed it up beautifully: “She came from a great family and she also raised a great family. She was loved by everyone that knew her.”

Together with her husband Jim—whom she adored—Thelma helped raise a family, build a business, and enrich a community. She passed away in 2008, but her influence is still felt deeply across the west side. From the sizzle of a fresh basket of onion rings to the nostalgic clink of a frosty root beer mug, Thelma’s Frostop lives on in the hearts of all who experienced it.

The Mackay girls, as many remember them, truly were something special—and Thelma stood at the top, a shining example of grace, grit, and giving back.

-Sheri Kimball Biesinger

The Talbot Guys hanging out at the Frostop