I love sandwiches. I also love hamburgers. Some purists might say that the two are separate things which could be a source of consternation for a person like me who can sometimes have a hard time choosing which of the two I want. But, thanks to information from Stacker, in Utah I don't have to choose. Our favorite sandwich is both!

Utah is home to many unique culinary traditions, but few are as beloved as the pastrami burger. This mouthwatering combination of a classic beef patty topped with flavorful pastrami has become a staple in the Beehive State, delighting locals and visitors alike.

Crown Burger / Canva
Crown Burger / Canva
loading...

The origins of the pastrami burger can be traced back to Utah’s thriving fast-food culture, which saw a boom in the mid-20th century. While the exact inventor is debated, one of the most influential figures in its popularization was James (Dimitri) Katsanevas, a Greek-American restaurateur with a deep passion for food and family. Katsanevas, born in Crete, Greece, immigrated to the United States in 1948 and later served in the U.S. Air Force before embarking on a successful career in the restaurant industry.

Before bringing the pastrami burger to Utah, Katsanevas co-owned Minos Burgers in Long Beach, California, with John Katzourakis. It was there that they first experimented with adding pastrami to burgers, though the dish was initially a modest seller. However, when Katsanevas and his family opened Crown Burgers in Salt Lake City in 1978, they reintroduced the pastrami burger with great success. The unique blend of juicy beef, rich and peppery pastrami, melted cheese, and Utah’s signature fry sauce created an instant sensation.

The Crown Burgers chain expanded, and in 1983, Katsanevas opened a fourth location on Highland Drive, further cementing the pastrami burger as a Utah institution. Other local burger joints soon embraced the concept, each adding their own variations. Today, the pastrami burger remains a must-try dish in Utah, with many restaurants featuring their own take on this flavorful classic.

Crown Burger / Facebook
Crown Burger / Facebook
loading...

Katsanevas was not only a pioneer in Utah’s dining scene but also a dedicated member of the Greek-American community. He was involved in the Pan Cretan Association of America and was known for his generosity and hard work. His contributions to Utah’s food culture continue to be felt long after his passing in 1996.

Whether enjoyed at a drive-thru or a sit-down diner, the pastrami burger remains a testament to Utah’s love of bold flavors and inventive twists on American classics—one delicious bite at a time.

KSUB 590/107.7 logo
Get our free mobile app

To see what sandwiches rule in the other states, just keep scrolling.

LOOK: This Is the Signature Sandwich From Each State

Stacker researched staple sandwiches—the kind that makes residents proud—and highlighted one from each state that everyone should try.

Gallery Credit: Stacker

More From KSUB 590/107.7