Hollyfood in South Ogden Celebrates Burgers and Movies
Hollyfood in South Ogden is selling an experience, not just a burger, according to owner Francisco Tobar.
If you love superheroes, comic books and movies, you’ll feel right at home at this eight-table burger bar at at 1706 E. 5600 South. It was the former home of Lovee’s Cakes, that’s been re-painted with art based on the likes of Captain America, Ghostbusters, Star Wars, Harry Potter, and Venom.
A life-size Darth Vader stands guard near the front counter, and the walls are displayed with posters, figurines, other comic book/movie memorabilia. There are two vintage Pacman arcade games, too.
“We want to give people the best experience in their life,” said Tobar, when I recently interviewed him for a Standard-Examiner article. He opened the restaurant last April.
Burgers play the starring role in the small menu. The Symbiote is named for the Marvel comic book and movie, “Venom.” The dark bun is decorated with “eyes” made of cheese, and bacon sticks out from under the bun to symbolize Venom’s long tongue.
The Dark Green, is named for the Incredible Hulk. And yes, the bun is really dark green. The American Patriot comes in a bright red bun with a star to symbolize Captain America’s shield. For me, those colored buns are a novelty that take some getting used to.
All the beef is fresh, not frozen, Tobar said.
Prices for all the burgers are $11.90, which includes fries and a drink. Also on the menu are chicken tenders, side salad, and desserts of cake and house-made lemon pie.
Tobar immigrated several years ago from Chile, where he worked as a radio announcer and owned a medical center. After coming to Utah, he was general manager of the Café Rio in Farmington for two years. That prompted him to think about opening his own restaurant.
“People need to eat every day,” he said. “We thought about doing Chilean meals, but we didn’t know if a lot of Chilean people were here. So an American restaurant seemed like a very good idea, and people love burgers.”
He chose the name “Hollyfood” as a nod to Hollywood and the movie industry.
“Every day, more new people come, and they tell others about it,” Tobar said. “It will snowball as people tell their friends and family, and if people check us out on Facebook or Instagram.”
If you go…
Where: 1706 E. 5600 South, South Ogden
Contact: Americanrestaurantsouthgogden.com or 385-465-0073
Hours: Monday-Wednesday, 11 a.m.- 9 p.m.; Thursday-Saturday, 11 a.m.-9 p.m. Closed Sunday.
Prices: $11.90 for burger with fries and drink