Scotty’s Drive-In, located at 560 Northgate Mile in Idaho Falls, has become a regional institution—a testament to entrepreneurship, community loyalty, and the staying power of a classic American eatery. What began as an ambitious venture in 1964 continues operating today, having weathered competitive pressures, ownership changes, and shifting consumer tastes to remain a fixture in East Idaho.
The story starts with Jack Magnusson, now 95 and residing at Lincoln Court Assisted & Senior Living with his wife Lavine. Magnusson came to Idaho Falls from Gillette, Wyoming, seeking opportunity. He had worked as an assistant manager at a store in Billings, Montana, earning $70 per week before Ralph Ward and Harold Greviour approached him about opening a hamburger franchise operation.
On September 4, 1964, the three partners opened Scotty’s Drive-In. The menu was simple and the prices reflected the era: hamburgers, fries, and milkshakes each sold for 15 cents, with drinks at 10 cents. During the challenging winter startup period, the business offered a promotional deal of ten hamburgers for a dollar to draw customers. Despite modest pricing, the operation proved capable—busy days saw production of 2,600 hamburgers.
Magnusson’s tenure at Scotty’s lasted 14 years. The franchise model expanded across multiple states, with locations operating in Pocatello, North Dakota, South Dakota, and Nebraska. The original site in Idaho Falls replaced the demolished Orme Implement Co. building, positioning the drive-in squarely on what would become a competitive corridor.
Competition and Evolution
The arrival of McDonald’s to Idaho Falls in 1972 represented a watershed moment for the local burger market. Magnusson and his partners responded by introducing the Great Scott burger, a signature item designed to compete directly with the Big Mac. The product helped differentiate Scotty’s in an increasingly crowded landscape.
Ownership structures shifted over the years. Ward eventually departed Scotty’s to launch Waremart, which later became Winco Foods—itself a major regional supermarket chain. Bob Bright, a Post Register employee who worked the night shift, purchased Ward’s stake in the business. Magnusson sold his interest in 1978 to Matt Worton and subsequently formed M.T. Ice with Dick Thomas, another business venture.
When Matt Worton passed ownership to his son Scott Worton, the drive-in remained in family hands. The operation’s current steward, Scott Lynch, began his association with Scotty’s as a high school student in 1993. He worked his way into deeper involvement with the business before purchasing it outright in 2004.
Three Decades of Continuity
Lynch’s ownership has now spanned more than two decades. The 2024 milestone marked Scotty’s 60th anniversary, a testament to the business model’s resilience and Lynch’s commitment to maintaining what Magnusson and his original partners created. The drive-in has avoided the fate of countless vintage burger stands that closed as chains proliferated and consumer habits shifted toward faster service and different dining experiences.
Reflecting on his remarkable arc from assistant manager earning modest wages to founding a successful franchise operation, Magnusson observed simply: “I must have done something right.” He added another perspective on his life’s work: “I’ve never looked for a job all my life.”
Scotty’s Drive-In represents more than a functioning business—it embodies the entrepreneurial spirit that shaped Idaho Falls and the broader region. The continuity from Magnusson through multiple owners to Lynch suggests that the drive-in has established itself as a genuine community institution rather than a passing fad or outdated novelty.
What Comes Next
As Scotty’s continues into its seventh decade, the operation faces the eternal challenge confronting independent, locally-owned food businesses: adapting to modern expectations while preserving the character that built customer loyalty. Lynch’s sustained ownership since 2004 indicates a commitment to that balance. The drive-in’s longevity in a market transformed by national chains and evolving consumer preferences demonstrates that quality, consistency, and community connection remain viable competitive advantages—perhaps the only ones that matter for a business reaching its 60th anniversary.
For more on Idaho Falls community institutions, see our coverage of the Eastern Idaho Marathon’s 20-year milestone and updates on cultural programming bringing heritage to the region.