When you dine at **Carvers Steaks & Seafood** in Sandy, Utah, you’re enjoying more than a prime rib or an indulgent seafood platter—you’re experiencing a piece of local history. The restaurant traces its roots to **1996**, when it opened as *Carvers Steaks & Chops* under the umbrella of the Paragon Restaurant Group, a 126‑unit chain that spanned from California to the Midwest. Paragon operated several concepts—Hungry Hunter, Carvers Creek, Cliffhouse and others—and opened two Utah locations in Orem and Sandy. Financial headwinds in the 2000s forced Paragon to shrink, and when the 2008 recession hit, Sandy’s Carvers faced closure. Long‑time employee **Alison Leach** stepped up—she and her brother‑in‑law **Bill DeJong** bought the restaurant, transforming it into the privately owned, family‑operated steakhouse locals know today.
### A commitment to excellence
Carvers isn’t just another steakhouse—it strives to create memorable evenings. As the owners explain, guests aren’t simply customers; they’re welcomed like friends, with a warm and lively atmosphere that encourages laughter and conversation. Staff members see themselves as ambassadors of the brand, knowing that word‑of‑mouth about perfectly cooked filet mignon or stellar service is their most powerful advertisement. According to Alison Leach, Carvers is a **“people company”** driven by a passion to exceed guests’ expectations; she emphasizes that success comes from creating pride and profits that employees share.
### Supporting the community
The owners’ commitment extends beyond the dining room. Through **Carvers Cares**, the restaurant volunteers to cook and distribute food, partners with organizations like *Jackets for Jonah*, and raises money to supply warm clothing to unsheltered neighbors. This community focus reinforces Carvers’ role as a local gathering place that cares about its neighbors.
### Today’s Carvers
Thanks to loyal guests, Carvers has been voted the **best steakhouse in Salt Lake**. Located at **10720 S Holiday Park Drive in Sandy**, the restaurant is minutes from I‑15 and features a recently updated interior with four fireplaces and an atmosphere that suits romantic dates, business dinners or casual meetups. Under Alison Leach’s leadership, Carvers blends its Paragon roots with family‑owned hospitality, serving “the best of land and sea” to patrons from across the Salt Lake Valley.