Heber Valley has a rich history, community spirit, and local pride that runs deep through its streets. This August, the Heber Valley Chamber is delighted to recognize Dairy Keen as the Business of the Month—a well-deserved honor for a beloved local restaurant that has been a cornerstone of the community for over 70 years.

Dairy Keen’s story is one of legacy, love, and longevity. Founded by Jan Olpin’s grandfather in 1946, this family-owned restaurant has grown through five generations, each one contributing to its enduring success. Jan’s father, a man with a deep love for Heber Valley, played a significant role in shaping the future of Dairy Keen. He would often remark, “This is the perfect valley. It’s not too big; it’s not too small,” a sentiment that resonates with every visit to this charming establishment.

Jan herself is deeply involved in the business, alongside her brother, Mike, sister, Kim, and brother-in-law, Steve who all work tirelessly to keep Dairy Keen thriving. In addition, the family also operates the neighboring Swiss Alps Inn lodging property. It’s a bustling life, but one she and the rest of her family embrace with enthusiasm, ensuring the legacy of the family’s business continues to flourish for generations to come.

The name "Dairy Keen" is as unique as the restaurant itself. Originally a Dairy Queen, the eatery got its quirky new name when Jan’s grandparents purchased it but couldn’t afford to replace the entire sign. The simple act of swapping out the "Qu" for a "K" gave rise to a name that has since become a local icon. It’s a fun talking point for new customers, one that Jan enjoys sharing as part of the restaurant’s rich history.

Dairy Keen is arguably most-famous for its shakes. With over 120 flavor combinations, including seasonal and monthly specials, it’s no wonder that on a busy summer Saturday, Dairy Keen can churn out over 2,000 shakes in a single day! Each shake is made with the freshest ingredients, a testament to the restaurant’s commitment to quality.

But it’s not just about the shakes. Dairy Keen’s menu is a carefully curated selection of local favorites, featuring meat sourced from within the state, fresh buns from a local Heber Valley grocer, and soups made in-house starting in October. The gluten-free menu, which has won awards, reflects Jan and her team’s dedication to accommodating all their customers. The most popular menu item? The Train Burger, often paired with the fan-favorite Oreo shake.

For Jan, Dairy Keen’s success is not just measured in the number of shakes sold or awards won but in the people who make it all possible. Her employees are the backbone of the business, with some team members having worked there for over 20 years. The staff is diverse with employees coming from countries such as India, Romania, and Jamaica, adding a rich cultural influence to the Dairy Keen family and the local community.

Jan’s approach to management is one of genuine care and appreciation. On particularly busy days, employees receive a $1 per hour bonus as a token of gratitude for their hard work and dedication. Jan’s commitment to her team is evident in the way she talks about them, sharing stories of fun moments and camaraderie that occur during a typical workday.

Dairy Keen’s recognition as Business of the Month is not just about its culinary delights and friendly service. It’s also about the restaurant’s deep commitment to the Heber Valley community. Jan and her team are quite philanthropic, supporting local businesses, youth sports, schools, and special events. Much of their giving is done without fanfare, reflecting their belief that giving back is simply the right thing to do.

Jan also highlights the strong community spirit among Heber City’s Main Street dining establishments, where restaurant owners often support one another by sharing ingredients or supplies and encouraging customers to explore all the local dining options along Main Street and throughout the valley.

For anyone who has visited Dairy Keen, the train theme is unmistakable. From the tagline "Home of the Train" to the train decor that adorns every wall, it’s clear that this theme is more than just a gimmick—it’s a tribute to Jan’s father, a man fascinated by trains and instrumental in keeping the Heber Valley Railroad alive during tough economic times.

The restaurant’s mascot and logo icon, a conductor caricature named Max, is another acknowledgment of Jan’s father, ensuring that his love of trains and his impact on the community lives on. This connection to trains is celebrated in every corner of Dairy Keen, from the locomotive that chugs along the overhead tracks inside the restaurant to the train bell and whistle that ring out when customers leave a tip for outstanding service.

It’s a poignant moment for Jan and her team to receive the Heber Valley Chamber’s Business of the Month award again—especially since Jan’s father helped start this very recognition. This is the second time Dairy Keen has been honored with this award in the last decade, a testament to its ongoing impact and excellence. Over the years, Dairy Keen has accumulated numerous accolades, including 56 "Utah Best of State" medals, all of which are proudly displayed at the entrance and around the front counter.

As Dairy Keen continues to serve up delicious and award-winning food and shakes, the warm, welcoming atmosphere remains a symbol of what makes Heber Valley so special. It’s a place where tradition meets innovation, where a quirky name becomes a beloved landmark, and where a family’s legacy is both preserved and celebrated.

For those who haven’t yet visited Dairy Keen, now is the perfect time to experience what makes this local treasure the Heber Valley Chamber’s Business of the Month. And for those who are already fans, it’s a chance to celebrate with Jan and her team as they continue to make Heber Valley a little sweeter—one shake and friendly smile at a time.

Dairy Keen 
199 South Main Street 
Heber City, UT 84032 
435-654-5336