Today we’d like to introduce you to Maglebys Catering.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
A Utah valley family that’s been serving the community with the best food for over 35 years.
Thirty five years ago, retired dentist David “Doc” Parkinson (1930–2014) had a dream to share truly great
food with the world. That dream led to the original Magleby’s restaurant, and for over 20 years Doc
greeted Magleby’s customers at the door with world-famous breadsticks and a warm welcome.
Our Utah Valley family has been serving the community the best food for decades, and thanks to Lenora
Parkinson, Doc’s wonderful wife of 50 years, Magleby’s dessert recipes have become legendary.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Like any business, we’ve had our fair share of challenges. One of the biggest came during the 2008 economic collapse, which hit the restaurant industry hard—including ours. It forced us to think beyond the four walls of our restaurant and reimagine how we could survive. Starting a new venture during such a difficult time wasn’t easy, but we saw an opportunity in catering. Even in tough times, life goes on—people still get married, have babies, and look for reasons to celebrate. Catering took off and ultimately became the lifeline that helped save the restaurant our family had poured 30 years of love and dedication into.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
At Magleby’s, we are a family-owned culinary institution rooted in Springville, Utah, with over 40 years of dedication to exceptional food and service. Our journey began when Dr. David “Doc” Parkinson, a retired dentist, and his wife Lenora, a gifted baker, opened the original Magleby’s restaurant in 1979. Their vision was simple yet profound: to serve high-quality, made-from-scratch meals in a welcoming atmosphere. This commitment to excellence continues to define us today.
What We Do:
We operate multiple dining experiences:
Magleby’s Restaurant (Springville): Located in the historic Reynolds building, our flagship restaurant offers a warm ambiance with two distinct dining areas: a casual upstairs space and the elegant Grotto downstairs, featuring a cascading waterfall and fine dining setting.
Magleby’s Grotto: An intimate venue ideal for private events, accommodating 20–80 guests with USDA Prime steaks and a refined atmosphere.
Magleby’s Fresh: Our fast-casual concept providing gourmet takeout options, bridging the gap between convenience and quality.
Magleby’s Catering: Serving the greater Utah Valley, we specialize in custom catering for weddings, corporate events, and special occasions, offering a range of cuisines from American to Mediterranean, with options for various dietary needs.
What Sets Us Apart:
Homemade Excellence: Every dish is crafted from scratch using the finest ingredients, ensuring a memorable dining experience.
Customized Catering: We provide tailored menus to fit the unique needs of each event, accommodating dietary preferences and offering buffet, plated, and action station styles.
Exceptional Service: Our professional staff is dedicated to delivering seamless service, from the initial consultation to event execution.
Community Engagement: We are deeply involved in our local community, supporting schools, charities, and providing holiday meals to those in need.
What We’re Most Proud Of:
We take immense pride in the legacy of Doc and Lenora Parkinson, whose passion for food and hospitality laid the foundation for everything we do. Their commitment to quality and service continues to inspire us, and we are honored to carry forward their vision.
Whether you’re planning a romantic dinner, a family gathering, or a grand celebration, Magleby’s is here to make your occasion unforgettable.
What do you like best about our city? What do you like least?
Do you mean the city of Springville, Utah? If so then:
What we love most about Springville is the people. There’s a strong sense of connection here—families who’ve been here for generations, newcomers who instantly feel welcomed, and a community that truly values good food and good company. Springville has this unique charm where tradition and growth go hand in hand. We see it every day in the guests who walk through our doors—some who’ve been coming in for years, and others experiencing our home-cooked meals for the first time. That small-town heart is what makes Springville feel like home.
If we had to pick something, we’d say we sometimes wish there were more options for evening activities or places to gather after dinner. Springville winds down early, and while that adds to the peaceful vibe we love, it also means there are fewer places for folks to linger, connect, or continue their night out. But honestly, that just makes us more grateful to be a place where people do gather—and we’re always up for being the spot where memories are made.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.maglebys.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/maglebys_springville/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/maglebys/
- Other: https://www.instagram.com/maglebys_catering/
