Our History

Our somewhat unusual name is derived from an historical, British tradition. In past centuries, the signs on many public houses depicted a humorous division of society into various stereotypes, each represented in a separate visual panel. The first panel portrayed the King: "I rule All;" the second, a Parson: "I pray for All;" and third, a Lawyer: "I plead for All;" the fourth, a Soldier: "I fight for All;" and the fifth panel, a Taxpayer: "I pay for All." Hence "The Five Alls."

The Five Alls Restaurant is the end-result of many years of care-filled effort on the part of its original, and still involved, owner-manager, Richard Halliday. He combined family recipes learned from his mother, continental traditions learned while living and studying in Europe , hard- knock lessons learned working for one-time Salt Lake icon Finn Gurholt (Finn's Restaurant), and lots of personal, creative innovation into a work of ambient originality and gastronomic excellence. With only $300.00 and a Morgan Plus-4 roadster to his name, Mr. Halliday set about achieving through hard work what others usually attempt only with plenty of investment capital. Early and continued success led to The Five Alls becoming a Salt Lake dining favorite for over three decades. The popular tradition continues as daughter Anne Halliday completes her mastery of the many aspects of running the family business.

Innovations and improvements have helped The Five Alls keep pace with an ever-evolving clientele. However, many classic elements remain as always. The combination is unique, and customers relish course after tasty course served on pewter ware by charming, costumed staff all in the warm glow of back-lit, stained-glass panels. An old saying suggests that, "A word to the Wise is sufficient." The Five Alls agrees wholeheartedly: ENJOY!