Vessel Kitchen, a Utah-owned restaurant offering a unique experience with signature dishes opened its first location in Park City in 2016.

While the business has expanded to other areas in Salt Lake and Davis counties, bringing its fresh concept to more people, Brian Reeder, co-founder of Vessel Kitchen, says Utah County has always been on their radar.

Eight years later, the stars have aligned as the restaurant is celebrating the opening of its eighth location right in the heart of American Fork, near an area Reeder says they had their eyes on in 2018, but it didn’t work out.

“We were originally planning to make Utah County our second location, but, sadly, we encountered some challenges that prevented us from moving forward with the opening in that location,” Reeder told the Daily Herald in an email. “Ever since it’s been more a question of finding the right location that we believe will work well for what we do.”

Vessel Kitchen will offer its signature bowls, seasonal salads, flatbread tacos and hearty sides to an expanded dining room with more seating than ever before to patrons in Utah County, according to a press release.

Whether a patron is in the mood for something healthy or hearty, the business claims it has something on its menu to satisfy a variety of cravings with dishes designed to nourish all appetites, all made from scratch.

“Our goal has always been to be our guests’ ‘second kitchen’, and find the balance of flavor, quality, price and health,” Reeder said. “We’re not a health food company, but we want to use great ingredients and make all of our recipes in-house, so we can control quality and ensure our product is delicious. We believe everyone deserves to choose how they want to eat and encourage customization so that everyone gets exactly what they want.”

Reeder says they’re excited to join other amazing food options in northern Utah County and are proud to be a product of their local communities. The goal with Vessel Kitchen, he added, is “to serve guests that walk in the door, as well as order online, for delivery, and catering to local businesses.”

Vessel Kitchen, located at 197 N.W. State St. in The Meadows shopping center next to Sherwin Williams, officially opens its doors in American Fork on Saturday.

Grand opening festivities are set to include special promotions, giveaways, activities and more, according to the press release.