Macky's History

On a beautiful winter day...

in January of 1997, Greg and Cari Day opened the original Macky's Grill. Macky's was named after Cari's Grandpa, Mac. Macky's was then located on the Beeline Highway, across from the Western Village. While working on the building to prepare for the grand opening, many Payson residents would stop in to offer advice, town gossip, and just to welcome the Day Family to town. Greg would chuckle when some would say, "Nothing has ever made it in this building," or, "No one is going to drive ALL the WAY to this end of town to have lunch." We proved them all wrong when the waiting list started on day two, and Macky's has been one of "Rim Country's Best" ever since.
Cari and Greg are originally from Oregon. Cari attended Oregon State and majored in Hotel and Restaurant Management. Cari's passions are spending time with family and friends, fund raising for the schools, cooking, and singing some classic rock at karaoke night.

Look around the restaurant and you will find beautiful hand carved booth backs and artistic rock work created by Greg. For 19 years, Greg put his heart and soul into Macky's before losing a five year battle to kidney cancer. Greg had a "never a bad day'' motto that inspired everyone he encountered. In January 2016, 900 guests helped the Day Family Celebrate the life of our beloved Greg. Although he isn't firing up the grill anymore, his delicious burgers continue to be enjoyed by everyone.

Greg and Cari's three children grew up in Macky's. By the time they could wash a dish, they were given an apron and a milk crate to stand on and put to work. The oldest son Trevor is the Ribeye Master! Jeff and his beautiful wife Tori love slinging Macky's world famous Burgers and tall Kiltlifters to their incredible Macky's patrons. Allie is Macky's pride and joy; her sweet smile and heart of gold are always a welcome sight. The kids are all living in the valley but come by occasionally to show everyone that they've still got it!
It would be a challenge to find anyone that works harder than Macky's General Manager Kristy. Kristy, her husband Jeremy, and their 17-year-old son Zach run an incredible Archery and Gun store called Chasin' a Dream Outfitters. Their family is very active in the hunting community around Rim Country. Kristy started with Macky's at the age of 16 and one of her biggest goals in life is to make sure that everyone that walks in the door has the best experience possible.

Unfailing service and a well-trained staff with lots of laughter make Macky's the "Never a Bad Day" restaurant of this wonderful town. We invite you to #AdventurePayson and welcome you to Macky's Grill!