THE HIRES BIG H STORY
Since 1959, Hires Big H has been more than a burger joint — it’s been a gathering place, a tradition, and a taste of home for generations of Utahns.
Over the years, Hires Big H became woven into Utah culture.
Don Hale, a Salt Lake grocer’s son, opened the first Hires Drive-In on 700 East with a simple goal: serve good food and treat every guest like family. He built a menu around hand-cut fries, frosty mugs of root beer, scratch-made buns, and the now-famous pink fry sauce. Locals came for the flavor, but stayed for the warmth — Don would walk the dining room, visiting with guests and making them feel like part of the Hale family.
Families celebrated milestones over burgers and floats, carhops kept the drive-in spirit alive, and frosted mugs of root beer became an unmistakable symbol of simple joy.
Hires Drive-In
How Hires Got Its Name
a chance encounter
The name traces back to a chance encounter. Just before opening, Don still hadn’t settled on what to call his new restaurant. A salesman offered to provide signage if Don agreed to serve Hires Root Beer. Don said yes, and “Hires Drive-In” was born. In the 1970s, the iconic “Big H” burger and signature fry sauce were introduced, and the restaurant officially became Hires Big H.
SLC PROUD.
What started with one drive-in has grown into a true Utah institution — a place recognized nationally for its burgers and loved locally for its root beer floats, hospitality, and community spirit.
Our Locations
From the original Salt Lake City spot on 700 East to locations in Midvale and West Valley, each Hires Big H carries forward Don Hale’s vision of great food and warm welcomes.
Visit any of our restaurants and you’ll find frosty mugs, hand-crafted burgers, and a tradition that’s been part of Utah life for over 65 years.
Top Products
Explore a collection of some of our best sellers.
