Estimated read time: 2-3 minutes
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This is Fred Ball for Zions Bank, speaking on business.
I walked into Jim's Family Restaurant on 39th South and 9th East on the second day of it being open. The business had done no advertising. There had been no special promotions but the place was very busy.
I sat with Jim Fuskandrakis and watched the restaurant fill up. "Why are you so busy on only your second day of business?" I asked. "Well, people know about us. This is the eighth Jim's Family Restaurant and since people know about us, business is always good," Jim replied.
I love Jim's success story. "Only in America," he told me. He is a Greek immigrant. He was living in Canada and then decided to visit Las Vegas. On his way, he stopped in Salt Lake City and said he just felt so comfortable. He really liked the atmosphere and the scenery here. Well, he never made it to Las Vegas.
Jim opened his first restaurant in West Valley City in 1983. He wanted to emphasize the family concept. His menu is very eclectic. There are a few Greek menu items but most offerings are basic, good American items. You can find steaks, seafood, pasta, all kinds of sandwiches, salads, an extensive children's menu and an all day breakfast menu.
The food was excellent, prices were more than reasonable and the staff was attentive and very friendly.
It seems appropriate that a family restaurant should have a family management team. Jim has a great deal of help from his wife Kathy, his son Michael and his daughter-in-law Becky.
In addition to the new 39th South and 9th East restaurant, there are seven other Jim's Family Restaurant locations in Tooele, Orem, American Fork, West Jordan, Sandy and two in West Valley.
For Zions Bank, I'm Fred Ball. I'm speaking on business.
