Our History

The legacy of Hank's Garage Venue began in the late 1950s and gained momentum in the ‘60s, when owner Wes Johnson's parents purchased a Dodge, and later a Toyota, dealership.

Growing up in the heart of the automotive world, Wes developed a deep passion for cars, setting him on a lifelong path to pursue automotive excellence. But Wes is much more than just a car enthusiast, and his family and community were much more than just car dealers.

They were mothers and fathers, sons and daughters, siblings, neighbors and friends. They were innovators, and entrepreneurs. They were progenitors.
When you visit for a tour or an event, you will feel the living history of mid-century Utah.

You’ll see portraits and candids of a then-small, but vibrant, community. You’ll pop pocket change into a Coke machine and open the bottle on the side of it. You’ll play pool or pinball against the backdrop of vintage neon signs taken from the old neighborhood diner.

The space is not themed or decorated—it’s curated, carefully and personally furnished by Wes with things that all have a unique story behind them (and most of our guests tell us that his personal tours during events were the most special part of the night).

Over the years, Wes curated a collection of iconic vehicles that define performance and style, creating a space that pays tribute to the golden age of American muscle, and most importantly, his passion for the local roots that shaped our culture.