Posted in Washington July 14, 2019 by

If You’ve Never Eaten A Cheese Zombie, You Need To Try This New Washington Restaurant

If you didn’t grow up in Yakima County or select parts of Eastern Washington, the term “cheese zombie” most likely means nothing to you. But if you were lucky enough to be raised on this school lunch staple, you know what a treat it was to dunk those doughy delicacies into a cup of piping hot tomato soup. And now, you can have one practically anytime you’d like, thanks to the efforts of one hardworking Yakima Valley man.

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First, allow us to introduce to you the original Cheese Zombie, which has a pretty interesting history.
Mikey’s Cheese Zombies Facebook
In the late 1950s, a Yakima Valley school district received a little too much subsidized (aka government) cheese. Not wanting it to go to waste, the food services supervisor created this elevated sandwich out of cheese and fresh dough. Needless to say, it was an instant hit.
Cheese Zombies remained on local school lunch menus for decades to come, with students soon realizing they were best dipped in tomato soup.
Jessica Wick
Ask any millennial or Generation X alumni from Central Washington about them, and most will tell you they always opted for school lunches on Cheese Zombie day.
And now, thanks to Michael Moore, the childhood classic is available once again... and it's better than ever.
Jessica Wick
Moore, whose culinary skills are all self-taught, has spent the last five years perfecting the art of the Cheese Zombie. He spent several years catering to local businesses before opening his own restaurant, which you'll find at Granger's Dinosaur Park.
It hasn't always been an easy road for Moore, who is candid about overcoming a rough past.
Jessica Wick
He grew up in foster care, hanging out with the wrong people (as he puts it), and he even spent some time homeless before completely turning his life around. While his story isn't pleasant, it's incredibly inspiring, and it has a happy ending -- Moore now has a beautiful wife and a two-year-old son, whom the restaurant is named after.
The Dinosaur Park is the perfect location for this brand new eatery, as guests can enjoy their lunch in the open seating area with views of the parks and the pond.
Jessica Wick
The patio was freshly cleaned and ready for business when we arrived, hence the water.
Mikey’s Cheese Zombies officially opened for business on July 6, although Moore had a brief soft opening before that.
Jessica Wick
Current hours are noon - 8 p.m., although you'll want to go as early in the afternoon as you can... as word gets out, the zombies sell out fast.
While Cheese Zombies will obviously be the stars of the show here, Moore also serves burgers and a rotating menu with other food items.
Mikey's Cheese Zombies Facebook
Recent specials have included freshly baked pizza, Indian tacos, and these stellar carne asada fries.
He also experiments with different Cheese Zombie flavors, so you never know what you'll find when you go.
Mikey’s Cheese Zombies Facebook
But whatever Zombie you order, don't forget to request some tomato soup -- Moore makes it from scratch daily, and it's delicious.
If you'll be passing through the Yakima Valley this summer, stop by Granger's Dinosaur Park and sink your teeth into this classic.
Jessica Wick
This could be the beginning of a new generation of Cheese Zombie lovers.

Address: 505 Main Street, Granger, WA, 98932

Have you ever had a Cheese Zombie? While you’re in the area, take time to appreciate Granger’s adoration for dinosaurs.