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This is Fred Ball for Zions Bank, speaking on business.
Comeback business stories can be some of my favorite stories to tell. Unfortunately, you don’t hear about them very often. But a local Utah business recently caught my attention. Carmack’s, a very popular Bountiful business, was destroyed in 1997 by a grease fire. Those close to the famous diner and donut shop were devastated by the loss. But because of the perseverance and the dedication of loyal patrons, Carmack’s is back in business again.
Harold and Sarah Carmack founded Carmack’s in 1953. It was well known for its specialty donuts made with a potato-flour base. Their hand-cut french-fries, frosted mugs of homemade rootbeer or steelport, burgers and sandwiches made them popular with all the locals and visitors. In its unique history, it’s the oldest restaurant in Davis County and the oldest donut shop in all of Utah that’s still in operation.
Three years after the fire, Carmack’s has all the old favorites and a few new treats on the menu. I recently spoke with Dean Jolley, a partner in the business. Dean said he’s happy to be part of something so legendary in the community. He said that when the original store in Bountiful reopened, they actually had people camped out in tents and sleeping bags to be the first ones to taste the famous donuts.
Relics of the original store adorn the walls and customers can watch the donut making operation from bar stools at the front counter. Dean said the reason Carmack’s has been so successful is because of the food and the donuts. He said the recipes they use today have withstood the test of time, and the eatery delivers customers what they want—delicious recipes in a welcome environment.
Carmack’s can now be found in Bountiful, Logan and Layton. Carmack’s plans to add an additional six locations across the valley including a diner in Salt Lake City where Bill and Nada’s used to be that’s planned to open in February. Dean said Carmack’s is growing and is planning to franchise in the near future.
I commend Dean and his business partners Mark Elwood and Alex Lawrence for bringing back a legend, and I wish them good luck in the future.
For Zions Bank, I’m Fred Ball. I’m speaking on business.
