Patio Drive-In
95 N Grayson Pkwy (Hwy 191)
Blanding, UT, 84511
Phone: (435) 678-2177
Website: https://patiodiner.com/
Hours of Operation: Mon thru Sat: 11am-9pm, Closed Sunday
In the early
1950s, A&W opened two franchises, one in Blanding, the other in
Monticello. While Monticello’s franchise
went bust due to lack of business, Blanding’s was booming; so much so, that the
owner decided to cut ties with A&W.
In 1959, Patio Drive-In was born and while it has changed hands
countless times, it has remained an icon of Blanding life.
I first met
current owners, Lana and Ricky Arthur, in 2015, but they have owned Patio since
2009. The concept for the food at Patio
has, and always will be, “We are not a fast food restaurant”, no, it’s a good
food restaurant with proud owners and employees.
On December 3, 2018, the Grand Re-opening of
the newly remodeled Patio, community support displayed evidence of the pride
locals felt about, not just the restaurant, but the Arthurs. As we all gathered inside to say hello to
Lana, Ricky, their employees, friends and neighbors, the swell of excited
anticipation could be felt building.
Lana got her ribbon cutting scissors, borrowed from a local flower shop,
but Lana was willing to do free haircuts that day, if anyone was brave
enough. Outside to the new entrance to
the newly built dining area we followed; standing together while Lana, Ricky
and Lana’s mom smiled at us.
Not being
too fond of making speeches, Ricky let Lana do all the talking, just like a
good husband should. Lana’s voice
cracked, her eyes moist with emotion, “I made it perfect for you. My goal theme, “Another 60 Years!” …opened in 1959…a desperate need to be redone
and I knew I was the person privileged to do it and grateful I was able to do
it. …Another 60 Years!” Lana also thanked her mom for all the support
she had given them, in so many ways, and it just couldn’t have all been done
without her. Cutting the ribbon, being
hugged and kissed by Ricky; we all cheered and then it was, “Come on it and
eat!”
While many
of us strolled around checking out the new décor, reupholstered bench seats and
upgraded kitchen, there was Robert Turk at the register…the Patio’s first
customer of the day. Hey, he had his
priorities correct, food first, then stroll it off afterwards.
While the collection of license plates
paneled one wall, another wall held a special memorial for local hero, Jason
Workman.
Of course I
had to check out the kitchen first and drool over the professional
stove/oven/grill and deep fryer. Ah, but
I was not alone in my venture, along with hubby Roy, San Juan County was
represented by Natalie Randall and Andy Platt from Economic Development and
Tourism office, and Bayley Hedglin of the Chamber of Commerce. We all know where the good food is!
Now let me get to the food. Still sourcing as local as possible, Patio’s burgers come from a coalition of ranchers in nearby Colorado. No more frozen burgers that needed to be marinated in au jus before grilling to perfection; oh no, now it’s fresh, and we all know fresh is best! Which brings me to a menu item reserved just for locals; it won’t be listed on the menu board, but we can order it any time we want. I am speaking about…The Houston, that specialty burger developed by former employee, Dallas Hall. A juicy bacon cheeseburger on grilled bread topped with Swiss and Cheddar cheeses, lettuce, tomato, pickles and mayo.
 |
| The Houston |
Roy ordered
the Big B, but added toppings of made fresh on the grill mushrooms and onions,
oh you can taste the difference of freshly grilled. My choice was the Chicken Ham and Swiss; the
chicken tenders used are awesomely crispy on the outside, with tender, juicy
chicken within; this sandwich takes two hands with all the toppings it comes
with! Who am I kidding, all the
sandwiches at Patio need two hands…no regrets!
Ordering the
combos, we both love those curly fries, more like waves of potatoes, deep fried,
full of fluffy potato goodness and so yummy; 32 ounce fountain drinks come with
combos and Utah’s all-time favorite, fry sauce, for your choice of potato side. We were so stuffed, ordering shakes or ice
cream cones will just have to wait for a return visit, a soon to occur return
visit. By the way, Patio may contain two
dining areas inside now, but they are still servicing customers with a drive up
window. What I’d like to know is, how
can anyone drive when needing two hands to eat one of Patio’s burgers???
Another 60
Years! A concept that speaks about love
of a business, love for a community and a future full of hope and the
fulfillment of dreams.
Mary Cokenour
