The Oldest Operating Arctic Circle In Utah Has Been Serving Mouthwatering Burgers And Ice Cream For More Than 70 Years
By Courtnie Erickson|Published October 12, 2022
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Courtnie Erickson
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From Southern Utah to the Panhandle in Idaho, Courtnie Erickson has lived in what she believes are the best (and the most beautiful!) areas in the country. She graduated with a journalism degree from Utah State University and has more than 15 years of professional writing experience. You’ll likely see her with a Dr. Pepper in her hand and a pair of running shoes on her feet. Courtnie is a writer and editor at OnlyInYourState.
Arctic Circle is a popular restaurant that you will find all over the Beehive State. With multiple locations in the Wasatch Front and even small towns like Tremonton and Helper this burger joint is loved by Utahns and out-of-state guests alike. But, what many people don’t know is that Arctic Circle is actually one of the oldest restaurants in Utah. In fact, it has been serving burgers and shakes for more than 70 years!
Don Carlos Edwards was a Utah native born in Logan. He first started in the food business by opening a food cart on Pioneer Day in 1924. Several years later, he opened a permanent food stand called Don Carlos’ Barbecue and in 1950, he opened his first Arctic Circle restaurant.
The first restaurant opened its doors on May 26, 1950. It was located at 135 E 900 S in Salt Lake City. Just a few months later, he opened a second location at 3325 S 2300 E in Salt Lake City.
By the end of 1953, there were more than 20 Arctic Circle locations established throughout Utah, New Mexico, and Idaho. The image below shows the second Arctic Circle location in Salt Lake City in the 1950s.
While this restaurant certainly has a place in Utah history, it also has quite a tasty menu. Ice cream was one of the first big hits at this Utah restaurant. In fact, the chocolate-dipped ice cream cone, called the Brown Topper, was the first of many must-try items on the menu — and today that still rings true.
Today, many people come to Arctic Circle for its ice cream. Whether you try an ice cream cone or a milkshake, you’ll have plenty of options available no matter the location you visit.
Not long after the Brown Topper became a big hit, the Ranch Burger became well-known and drew in quite a crowd. This is still one of the most popular items on this restaurant's menu.
While Arctic Circle is one of the oldest restaurants in Utah, this isn’t its only claim to fame. So, what is Arctic Circle famous for? Well, it is where fry sauce was invented.
Shortly after Arctic Circle opened, Don Carlos created a sauce comprised of ketchup, mayonnaise, and other spices. Today, it is an iconic condiment in Utah and many people won’t eat their French fries without this delicious pink sauce.
Today, you can enjoy Arctic Circle at one of the 70 locations in seven states. Try some ice cream, a burger, and fry sauce. It’s a bit of Utah history at its tastiest!
Did you know the history of Arctic Circle in Utah? What is your favorite item on the menu? Let us know in the comments! You can learn more about this restaurant and its current locations on its website and Facebook page.
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