About us

THE CHEF:

While pursuing a degree in philosophy at nineteen, Brendan Kawakami landed his first job as a prep cook and dishwasher. The kitchen tone was brisk and honest and unromantic, and he immediately felt at home. Not long after, he found himself on Orcas Island working at the once-venerated Christina’s Food & Wine—there, he learned the concept of slow food and cooking close to the source: beef arrived from mainland Washington and the rest was pulled from the island and its surrounding waters. His ethos is still guided by those standards.

Most recently, Brendan spent seven years as Executive chef at Post Office Place in Salt Lake City, building a menu that traveled widely and changed often. During that time, the restaurant received two nominations for Outstanding Bar by the James Beard Foundation as well as being named one of Utah’s best restaurants multiple times by Salt Lake Magazine.

THE SPARK:

Lifelong devotees of the southern Utah desert, Brendan and his wife Samantha built their dream home near Bryce Canyon in 2021, becoming close with the family who originally opened North Creek Grill and Slot Canyons Inn during the process. A few years later, the opportunity was presented to take over operations at the restaurant, and they jumped. With her broad background in hospitality and restaurant logistics, Sam worked the plan. Drawing on a relentless curiosity with food traditions, Brendan shaped the menu.

A deep love and appreciation of the desert is a shared passion for Sam and Brendan.

THE ETHOS:

Sam and Brendan see the shared table as both catalyst and connector: it is how (and where) we build communities and relationships. They also feel that our food systems are deeply flawed and in need of reform, to which they say “let’s do better.” By supporting proper animal husbandry, makers utilizing historic practices, and high-quality products, we’re doing our best to prioritize our health, the environment, and others who value the same. We know these practices aren’t cheap…but every meal you eat here is made thoughtfully and with attention to impact.