Leaving successful careers in the health-care industry and dentistry hasn't been easy for Drs. Margo and Wayne Provost, but their new careers as restaurant entrepreneurs has put a smile on their faces and a warm feeling in their hearts.
As the proud owners of Log Haven Restaurant in Mill Creek Canyon, the Provosts say refurbishing and operating the famous landmark is a lifestyle and not a project.It would be hard to argue that point with the couple. Where else could you find the peace and solitude that the canyon brings with its wildflowers, waterfalls, pond, mill, waterwheel, cool summer evenings under the stars and the several types of animals that frequent the area?
There are several reasons the Provosts decided to purchase the 40-acre Log Haven, the only privately owned land in the canyon. Wayne's high school graduation party was at Log Haven, and he also attended several fraternity parties there. "I always had a deep affection for Log Haven," he said while sitting next to the fireplace.
The desire to be together also prompted the Provosts to use their savings and retirement money to purchase the property in March 1994. Ironically, a month after the purchase, Wayne was transferred by FHP to California, leaving Margo with the responsibility of their new property.
Margo took their motor home to the property and lived in it for several months while supervising the remodeling. Log Haven, a restaurant since 1958, had fallen into disrepair because of absentee landlords. Bringing it back to the stature the Provosts envisioned was a big project.
During the year Wayne was in California, he returned to Salt Lake City as often as possible and called almost daily. When he retired from FHP, Wayne said he became the fix-it man at Log Haven and Margo used her corporate executive and consulting expertise to make certain the restaurant was successful.
It wasn't easy, though. Margo admits to shedding some tears when faced with the hugh task of remodeling the building and improving the landscaping by herself. Their living quarters are on the second floor, and when there aren't many people around they use some sofas near the downstairs fireplace as their living room.
So far, their venture has proved successful. Salt Lake City Magazine recently named Log Haven as the best Salt Lake restaurant, and the Provosts will be honored Tuesday in Little America Hotel by the Salt Lake Area Chamber of Commerce with the Small Business of the Year Award.
Log Haven was profiled in the February 1998 issue of Bon Appetit Magazine, and Zagat Rocky Mountain restaurant survey lists Log Haven at one of Utah's 10 most popular restaurants because of the view, food and wine list.
L.C. Rains, a Salt Lake businessman and member of the Metropolitan Opera Co., built Log Haven in 1920 as an anniversary present for his wife. Logs were shipped from Oregon and hauled up the canyon by horse-drawn wagon. Plans for the future Geneva Steel were laid in the Log Haven living room.
Several years later, it was the residence of Gleed Miller, but when the Miller children left, Stanley Sprouse bought the property and converted the home into a restaurant while retaining its original name.
With 40 employees working at Log Haven, the Provosts cater to the general public who want a fine experience. They also host wedding receptions and breakfasts, business meetings and out-of-town guests. It is especially popular in the summer when dinner is served on the patio.
Wanting to give something back to the community by restoring an historic place, the Provosts believe the building is happy these days, which is a reflection of their new lifestyle.