Justin Hamilton, ‘03
Executive Leadership Speaker
January 23, 2008
Justin Hamilton was born in Idaho and grew up on a farm a few hours north of Idaho Falls. Justin attended school in Idaho Falls and was part of its gifted program entitled Learning Enrichment and Academic Development (LEAD). During his high school years Mr. Hamilton was part of National History Day and went to the national competition twice in Washington D.C where he won the competition for his presentation on Japanese Internment Camps during World War II.
Justin came to Utah State University in 1998. While in school he was involved with the Presidential Leadership Council, Associated Students of Utah State University (ASUSU), Student Alumni, Sigma Chi and volunteered with Red Cross. Originally, Justin wanted to be a doctor when he began his education at Utah State. While taking classes in biology he found he wasn't passionate about what he was learning. Business courses interested him and the entrepreneurial spirit within him. Justin graduated with a bachelor's degree in economics and political science in 2003.
During his junior year in school, Justin wanted to apply the business skills he was learning in a real situation. At the age of 23 he and a friend opened Café Sabor. This Mexican-themed restaurant is housed in a remodeled train station.
Because business at Café Sabor was doing so well, Justin started Hamilton's Steak and Seafood in 2004, a restaurant for more formal dining.
Justin opened a second Café Sabor in Park City in spring 2007, which has been very successful.
In February 2006 Justin was named as one of the top businessmen under the age of 40 in Utah by Utah Business Magazine.