WHAT TO EAT

Jake's Over the Top

Big on flavor and portions

BY RYAN SPELTS

Being laid off 27 years ago as a civilian employee at Hill Air Force Base, Ned and his wife, Lisa King, needed to figure out a way to support their young

family. Lisa’s dad had started and operated a successful local restaurant you may remember, Taco Maker, and Lisa had grown up in the restaurant business. She and Ned decided to take a risk and open a restaurant at which they would like to eat. Jake’s Over the Top was born as a hamburger stand with burgers, fries, and shakes. It was named “Jake’s” after their first son. Ned’s layoff ended up being temporary, and Lisa was thrust full-time into running the new business with Ned’s help around his full-time job. Over the years, Ned and Lisa focused on high-quality food. They wanted to earn their clients’ business by offering a great product. More importantly, however, they knew that anyone could purchase and make good food, so they wanted to make sure they also offered great service. This focus led them to hire the very best, and

they believe that, today, their longevity and success is tied directly to the staff and leadership they have developed over the years. A good old-fashioned hamburger stand is one of my personal favorite places to eat, and Jake’s is right at the top of my list. Last year, I fell and broke my arm. After getting fixed up at McKay Dee Hospital, my wife took me through the drive thru at Jake’s and the “Over the Top” shake I had hit the spot and washed away some of my sorrow for having just broken my arm. Jake’s is a favorite of people who are just being released from the hospital. Being located just across the way makes it convenient. Jake’s serves huge shakes that are literally “Over the Top” of their cups. Shake flavors feature all the favorites. We tried a unique flavor, which is Jake’s (the restaurant’s namesake) favorite, a Cherry Oreo shake. I can honestly say that I would not have ever tried it if not for the recommendation. We loved it. We also love the fresh fruit shakes, and Strawberry Banana was a great option made from fresh fruit. There are over 50 flavors to choose from and flavor combos you can create. They also make the best Lime-Rickey in town. Their burgers are also great. The beef is sourced from the same supplier for the last

Come Back Favorites

>>The 1/2 lb. big Jake Burger is sure to satisfy your appetite.

Jake's Dipping Sauce & the Strawberry Banana Milkshake

Try this!

27 years, with only a small disruption because of COVID-19 supply shortages, when they had to source patties from elsewhere for two months. I am a fan of the Big Jake with Bacon. We also tried the Hickory Bacon BBQ Burger, which is a wonderful flavor with a tangy, not-toosweet BBQ sauce. Often, Chicken Tenders can have too much breading for me, and they come out dry. Jake’s tenders are delicious, nice and juicy, with just the right amount of breading. You have to try Jake’s Dipping Sauce, made with their BBQ sauce and mayo that is an awesome dip for fries, or tenders, or both. Speaking of fries: another specialty is their Cheese Fries — crispy fries smothered in melted cheese. One of our employees, Scott Jones, said, “They have the best fries in town!” Onion Rings are also spot on, with just the right amount of crispy breading. I can tell that the quality of their food is very high. I can sense it in the simplest ingredients, like the bun for their burgers. Jake’s uses high quality products, and it shows. We loved meeting with Lisa for our meal and interview. We hope you’ll stop by for a delicious meal, to see the newly remodeled dining area, and enjoy an “Over the Top” shake.

 Jake's Over the Top 1225 Country Hills Dr. Ogden, UT 84403 P: (801) 399-0676 jakesoverthetop.ogden