Estimated read time: 2-3 minutes
This archived news story is available only for your personal, non-commercial use. Information in the story may be outdated or superseded by additional information. Reading or replaying the story in its archived form does not constitute a republication of the story.
SYRACUSE — Many longtime Utah residents have fond memories of the “Mug,” a 12-foot tall booth that served root beer floats on summer days. Now, after years of disuse, the booth will soon be making a comeback. And the family behind the restoration is no stranger to the Utah food scene.
Kris and Neleh Nielson operate Marquesas Corndogs, known for its unique offerings of corn dogs and fried pickles. And if Neleh’s name sounds familiar, it’s because she was Utah’s first competitor on the television series "Survivor." During the show’s fourth season, Neleh made it to the finals and came within one vote of the $1 million prize.
While the family’s corn dog food truck is closely tied to Neleh’s TV past, even taking its name from the island where she competed, this root beer float pursuit is something new entirely.
Related Stories:
Former 'Survivor' contestant finds success with popular food truck
Neleh Dennis Nielson made a splash back in 2002, when she competed on the fourth season of the television series "Survivor." Utah’s first "Survivor" competitor, she made it to the finals and a single vote kept her from claiming the $1 million prize.“We have now officially purchased a historical landmark,” Kris Nielson said. “In the boom of Utah food trucks, this hasn't been done. We really like the history and novelty behind the Mug.”
In a strange twist of fate, the Nielsons have since learned that they actually have a connection to the Mug’s founder.
“The root beer float trailer is about 50-60 years old,” Kris Nielson said. “And my dad told us that when he was a child, he used to get his hair cut by the guy that started the thing.”
The Nielsons currently have the Mug on a flatbed trailer and are in the process of cleaning and restoring it. Their goal is to have it ready to hit the streets in June. After such an extended absence, they’re excited for the Mug to once again become part of Utah’s summer traditions.
