Community Relations

Millie’s Burgers: Doing it Right, Fresh and from Scratch in Sugar House

Burgers and fries made the old fashion way is what Dan and Stacy Neilson, owners of Millie’s Burgers in Sugar House, do six days a week. 

|


Photos by Dung Hoang.

Burgers and fries made the old fashion way is what Dan and Stacy Neilson, owners of Millie’s Burgers in Sugar House, do six days a week. 

“We make everything from scratch: our own sauces, french fries, onion rings, breaded mushrooms and breaded zucchinis,” says Dan. “We use fresh meat and cook your food to order. It makes a difference.” 

Those are the basics that have kept Millie’s Burgers going for more than 41 years. Stacy’s parents started Millie’s Burgers, and Dan and Stacy took it over in 2001. “We all worked together until they retired,” says Stacy.

Stacy and Dan Neilson, owners of Millie’s Burgers.

The best sellers are the Millie burger (a quarter pounder), french fries and onion rings. “When the weather is warm we sell a lot of shakes,” says Stacy, “and we have this thing called a Glacier. It’s a slushy with ice cream in it, like a slush float.”

“It’s hard to pinpoint (the top sellers) because we sell a lot of everything on the menu,” says Dan.

When a McDonald’s opened up a block away, the Neilsons were concerned it would take some of their business. “I remember being worried about it,” says Dan. “It really didn’t affect our business; it didn’t change anything. People kept coming to us.”

Many individually owned restaurants did not survive the Covid-19 pandemic. “We actually did well during the pandemic,” says Dan. “We were worried about it because we had to shut down all of our inside seating. We have great customers; they just keep coming.”

“They would call their orders in,” says Stacy, “We’d make sure it was ready when they came in. We’d hand it to them and out the door they would go.”

Getting supplies has been an unexpected challenge from the Covid-19 pandemic. “That’s a big issue right now,” says Dan.

“It rotates around to different items,” says Stacy, “Sometimes it’ll be paper goods, then it’s your food or some ingredients to make the food.”

“It’s kind of a revolving door. You get one problem solved and then another one comes up,” says Dan. “It’s pretty crazy.”

Despite the numerous national burger restaurants in the area, and the recent difficulties with supplies, Millie’s Burgers is a thriving business. Perseverance, patience, friendly staff, and keeping the quality of the food consistent are the secrets to their success. “We just do it right and keep it going,” says Dan. “We try not to fix it if it’s not broken. They keep coming back, and we appreciate it.”

Millie’s is located at 2092 S 1000 E. 

RELATED CONTENT

Delice Bakery & Cafe: Where Pastries and Cakes Are a Work of Art

Coffee Garden: Serving Great Coffee for Almost 30 Years at 9th & 9th in Salt Lake

COVID Burnout: Salt Lake Businesses That Thrived Too Much

Localism vs. Globalism: Utah Companies Bill Gates put out of Business

APPLAUSE WORTHY CUISINE: A Delightful Dinner at Oquirrh Restaurant

SUBSCRIBE TO PRINT MAGAZINE

 

Subscribe to Utah Stories weekly newsletter and get our stories directly to your inbox

* indicates required



 

, ,


Join our newsletter.
Stay informed.

Related Articles


  • Preserving Union Station’s History Amid Ogden’s Redevelopment Plans

    When Ben Nadolski became Ogden’s mayor in January 2024, the city’s cherished Union Station took center stage in a battle between economic growth and historical preservation. The iconic station, rich with artifacts that tell the story of Ogden’s railroad legacy, faced redevelopment plans that threatened to erase its past. Under former leadership, volunteers were pushed aside, sparking public outcry. But Nadolski heard the call for preservation and made Union Station his top priority. As he navigates the city through a complex redesign, he’s asking one critical question: Can we honor the past while embracing the future?

    To access this post, you must purchase Full Access Membership.


  • Sugar House Legendary Millie’s Burgers Passes the Torch to the Next Generation

    Millie’s Burgers, a cherished spot in Sugar House for over 40 years, is entering a new era as the next generation takes over. Known for its classic, no-frills burgers and shakes, this family-run eatery continues to serve up nostalgia and great food while staying rooted in the local community.


  • Clear Water Distillery: Utah’s Bold Adventure in Craft Spirits and Creativity

    They started with no plan, a daring gift, and a touch of curiosity. Opening their distillery was just the beginning, but when the pandemic forced them to close almost immediately, they faced a choice: give up or reinvent. What followed was a journey of resilience and creativity, where every challenge sparked a new opportunity to craft something truly extraordinary.

    To access this post, you must purchase Full Access Membership.


  • Top Things to Do in Salt Lake City in November 2024

    Experience Salt Lake City in November 2024 with our guide to top events, including Thanksgiving volunteer opportunities, holiday markets, cultural festivals, and concerts. Don’t miss out on this season’s best ways to celebrate and give back!