Kenten B Pope is the eldest son of owner, Kam & Jennifer Pope. Kenten grew up following his grandparents and father around the restaurant. As a child, Kenten would assist his grandpa and dad in setting up banquets that the restaurant would cater, possibly sparking his love for events later in life. Kenten would follow his grandpa around the venues placing salad wafers on plates as Jerry would finish setting tables. His involvement in the restaurant continued as he got older. Kenten began working as a busser and would assist with the Chuck Wagon Buffet on the weekends at the age of 12. He then continued to spend his weekends working in the restaurant as a host up until he became a waiter during his Senior Year of High School. After his grandpa Jerry's passing in 2013, Kenten was able to step in and run the restaurant while his father would go out of town coaching his younger brothers in baseball tournaments.
Kenten graduated from Uintah High School in 2013 after participating in multiple extra-curricular school organizations. Over the course of his High School career, he served as Sophomore, Junior and Senior Class President, and as a member of the yearbook staff.
After graduation, Kenten moved to Cedar City, UT where he earned a Bachelor of Science in Strategic Communication and a Minor in Graphic Design from SUU in 2017. Over his summer and holiday vacations from school, Kenten would come home to wait tables and run the restaurant while his dad was at baseball. During his time as a Thunderbird, Kenten was heavily involved with student government where he served as Vice President of Activities planning events for the student body. Today, Kenten continues to plan events for Southern Utah University as he pursues a Master of Arts degree in Professional Communication. Kenten works for SUU's Vice President of Alumni and Community Relations, Mindy Benson, as an Event Assistant where he plans large scale events for the University and the surrounding community. These events include: Concerts (Scotty McCreery, Dan+Shay, The Oakridge Boys, The Piano Guys), Opening Ceremonies for the Larry H. Miller Utah Summer Games, and various banquets and galas where he is able to take the skills he acquired from 18 years of working at the 7-11 Ranch Restaurant to a new level.
Kenten has been able to bring his event knowledge back to his home town of Vernal where he volunteered as Tournament Director for the Babe Ruth Pacific Southwest Regional Baseball Tournament for 3 Years. This tournament has gained a name for Vernal in Babe Ruth League Baseball on the National Level bringing teams from California, Nevada, Arizona, N
Learn More about Kenten and see more of his past events and design projects HERE.
Comments