Big news from one of Utah’s most famous dining names this week – Log Haven has now transitioned to new ownership. It’s the latest milestone for the rustic escape, which has a storied history, more than a century in the making.
The tale starts way back in 1920, with steel baron L.F. Rains importing timber from Oregon to create the property as an anniversary gift for his wife. In time, the hideaway became an executive retreat of sorts. When Provost purchased the property in 1994, the site was a shadow of its current-day self, requiring extensive refurbishment.
In the decades ahead, Provost made remarkable strides, reimagining the Millcreek Canyon site as one of Utah’s de facto romantic dining destinations, not least one of the hottest wedding venues for similar reasons. To this day, it remains high on a list of places I will send folks with only one night in town, seeking a “Utah” dining experience. Great food (shepherded by James Beard semifinalist Dave Jones), excellent wine and service, all wrapped in an ambiance of soaring waterfalls and treeline. The dark wooden timber and low lighting always make for a memorable and intimate evening.
Handing over the baton, the new ownership group includes Brandon Hargett, Flynn Paulson, and Teri Paulson. Hargett is notable for a curriculum vitae dotted with other well-known names: the plush Aker in downtown SLC, Ruby River Steakhouse, and the much-missed Hoppers; I get several emails a month asking when it’s coming back…
Here’s the full presser from the announcement:
. . .
“Log Haven Restaurant, the iconic and beloved dining destination nestled in Millcreek Canyon, announces the beginning of a new chapter under new ownership, guided by a deep respect for its history, its people, and the land it calls home.
After more than three decades of thoughtful stewardship, longtime owner Margo Provost, who purchased Log Haven in 1994 and helped shape it into one of Utah’s most celebrated restaurants, has officially transitioned ownership. Along with Margo, longtime General Manager Ian Campbell and Executive Chef Dave Jones have also been bought out as part of the ownership transition. Both Ian and Dave will remain actively involved, providing continuity, mentorship, and leadership as Log Haven moves forward.
“For 32 years, Log Haven has been a labor of love and a true community gathering place,” said Margo Provost. “I’m deeply grateful to my partners, our extraordinary staff, and the community who helped shape it, sustain it, and care for this special place — including the land that surrounds it. I’m excited to pass the torch to owners who share that
sense of stewardship and will carry Log Haven’s legacy forward with fresh energy and deep respect.” The new ownership group includes Brandon Hargett, Flynn Paulson, and Teri Paulson, who together bring complementary experience in hospitality, operations, and long-term business stewardship. Hargett, a seasoned restaurateur, will oversee day-to-day leadership and vision for Log Haven, while Flynn and Teri Paulson bring a long-standing focus on building durable businesses through strong financial systems, thoughtful governance, and operational support.
“This is not just the purchase of a restaurant — it is the responsibility of a legacy,” said Brandon Hargett. “Log Haven is a rare place where food, land, history, and community intersect. We are honored to become its stewards and are committed to protecting what makes it special while thoughtfully investing in its future. Places like Log Haven are increasingly rare, and protecting them — not reinventing them — is the responsibility we take most seriously.”
Faith Scheffler, who will remain with Log Haven as a minority partner, emphasized the importance of continuity during the transition. “Log Haven is what it is today because of Margo’s vision, Ian’s leadership, and Dave’s extraordinary culinary talent,” said Scheffler. “Their influence is deeply woven into every corner of this place, and that foundation allows Log Haven to move forward with integrity.”
Guests can expect the heart and soul of Log Haven to remain unchanged — its commitment to exceptional hospitality, culinary excellence, and reverence for its natural surroundings — while deliberate, behind-the-scenes investments are made to support the team and ensure long-term sustainability.
Log Haven remains deeply committed to its employees, its guests, and the canyon it calls home, and looks forward to welcoming the community into this next chapter with gratitude, care, and purpose.”
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Hi, I’m Stuart, nice to meet you! I’m the founder, writer and wrangler at Gastronomic SLC. I’m a multiple-award winning journalist and have written in myopic detail about the Salt Lake City dining scene for the better part of seventeen years.
I’ve worked extensively with multiple local publications from Visit Salt Lake to Salt Lake Magazine, not least helped to consult on national TV. Pause those credits, yep, that’s me! I’m also a former restaurant critic of more than five years, working for the Salt Lake Tribune. I’m largely fueled by a critical obsession with rice, alliteration and the use of big words I don’t understand. What they’re saying about me: “Not inaccurate”, “I thought he was older”, “I don’t share his feelings”.
Want to know more? This is why I am the way I am.
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