With the rapid changes and growth happening in Provo, one might miss the loss of a business to the area – especially an eating establishment.

When an iconic place like the Malt Shoppe closes its doors, it takes a while, but people start to notice.

On Oct. 18, Malt Shoppe owner Susie Han posted a letter to all employees notifying them the popular eatery would have its last day Oct. 31.

“The sales of the restaurant have lowered every year due to slow economy and fervent competition with national franchise restaurants, despite all of your hard work, passion and love for this place,” Han’s letter said.

The Malt Shoppe hasn’t always been the name of the eatery at 1290 N. University. The building originally housed Provo’s A & W Drive-in in the 1960s and 1970s, featuring car hops and everything from baby burgers to teen burgers, onion rings to frosty mugs of cold root beer.

The location has seen many food service operations come and go around them. Just behind the building to the east used to be the Royal Inn, one of Provo’s premiere motel/hotels. That building was purchased by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and became the housing area for couple missionaries attending the MTC in 1990s. It is now a parking lot.

In the 1980s,  A & W became Stevenettes and was the burger and fries joint of choice around BYU. For some, it was considered the best place for milkshakes and a good time after Provo High football games or for BYU family home evening groups looking for dessert.

Over the years, each restaurant located in 1290 North carried traditional burgers, fries, shakes, footlong hot dogs and assorted other foods. It had an atmosphere for college and high school dates and gatherings with a jukebox filled with music to keep customers lingering until closing. Many couples were known to get up and dance in the middle of the restaurant.

Now, there is a for lease sign outside of the vacant and fading Malt Shoppe. According to Gary McGinn, director of Community Development, no one has contacted the city with new plans for the place.

Dixon Holmes, director of Economic Development, said that his office is often the last to know when businesses close.

“It’s obviously been an icon,” Holmes said. “Sadly, the market picks the winners and losers. If it doesn’t work out, well …  some mom-and-pop places go under.”