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This is Fred Ball for Zions Bank, speaking on business.
Thirty years ago, the Golden Steak restaurant opened its doors in Moab. It quickly became the place for locals and the few tourists who in the early ‘70s had discovered Eastern Utah’s vacation paradise.
Of course, the tourists to Moab now number in the tens of thousands each year. But some of those original locals still can be found sitting at the counter drinking coffee and solving all of the world's ills.
Jana Smith was a waitress at the Golden Steak. She became a favorite of the customers and learned all about the operation. Her husband John was active in the construction and heavy equipment business in Grand County. When they were informed in 1998 that the business was for sale, they quickly made arrangements to become the owners. The Golden Steak became Smitty's Golden Steak and Jana quickly went from a waitress to co-owner with John.
The couple, both natives of Moab, know just about every person in town. It's obvious as you sit and watch them greet their customers by name. Daughters Janice and Lindsay are also involved in the business, as is 12-year-old son Kirby, who has become a most capable busboy. John and Jana told me what a great opportunity it is to have a business where the whole family can be involved and work together.
Jana said that tourism really keeps them very busy for nine months of the year. There are visitors from all over the world who come to Moab. I was in Smitty's one day and I swear I was the only person not speaking German.
There is a lot of bus business and tour groups that frequent Smitty's. The restaurant also does a great deal of catering off premises for conventions and groups.
I can attest that Smitty's has great food. They are famous for their cinnamon rolls that are about as big as a dinner plate. I have to take people's word that they are great because they are much too big for me to tackle. Their steaks are naturally aged and hand cut. Chicken fried steaks also seem to be a popular choice.
Smitty’s Golden Steak serves great food from good people. And that's a hard combination to beat.
For Zions Bank, this is Fred Ball. I'm speaking on business.
