Meet Chef Mike Showers

Restaurant: High West – Park City, Utah

Niman Ranch Products Used: Iberian Duroc pork, ground beef, grass-fed ribeye

“People are willing to pay for quality”, says Executive Chef Mike Showers. And if you visit High West in Park City, Utah, that’s exactly what he and his team will serve you. Located in a historic saloon, the menu features hearty portions and dishes reminiscent of an old-mining town. The meat-centric options include Niman Ranch grass-fed ribeye, burgers with all the fixin’s and a perfectly crisp pork schnitzel, which Showers says is a customer favorite.  

Showers was born in Seattle, WA. And was exposed to kitchens at an early age through his sister, who was 10 years older than him. He started in the dish pit but quickly added more culinary skills to his tool belt.  After briefly attending college, he decided that wasn’t the path for him and he found his way back to his kitchen roots.  

He attended the Culinary Institute of America in St. Helena CA. After graduation, he staged in Europe and then worked in kitchens in Washington and Montana. He landed in Utah in 2007.  

During his time at the Goldener Hirsch Inn he was introduced to Niman Ranch. He’s been using their products ever since. “The quality is the first entry point for any chef. And theirs is top tier,” says Showers.  

In 2019 he attended the Niman Ranch Farmer Appreciation Dinner. Showers recalls the event, “I was sitting with the farmers and their families and watching the scholarship awards being given to the next generation of farmers and it was really moving.” He knew he wanted to support the next generation of farmers, who despite the physically and economically challenging industry continue to do this important work. “For a chef who pays attention, it hits all the criteria.” 

Today $1.00 from every burger sold at High West is donated to the Next Generation Scholarship Foundation. So if you ever find yourself in Park City Utah, and are craving alpine-inspired western fare stop by High West. 

Be sure to order a burger, it might very well be the best burger you’ve tasted and it’s supporting a good cause.