You can enjoy your favorite downtown dishes at home while we all do our part to limit our interactions to minimize the Coronavirus pandemic.

In addition to providing carry-out options, many downtown restaurants are partnering with DoorDash and Uber Eats to provide inexpensive or even free delivery. All restaurants have intensified their already strict cleaning standards to ensure food safety.

Check out supportsaltlakedining.com and gastronomicslc.com for more delivery and carryout options across the city.

Downtown SLC Restaurants Offering Delivery and/or Carryout:

Alamexo - @alamexo - Mexican

Arempas - @arempasslc - Argentinian Food

Argentinas Best Empanadas - @argentinasbestempanadas - Argentinian Empanadas

Bambara - @bambaraslc - New American

Bangkok Terrance - @bangkokterrace - Thai

The Bayou - Cajun

Blue Iguana - @blueiguanaslc - Mexican

Blue Lemon - @blue.lemon - Fast Casual American

Brio Tuscan Grille - @briotuscangrille - Italian

Bruges Waffles and Frites - @brugeswaffles - Belgian Waffles

Campos Coffee Roastery & Kitchen - @camposslc - Australian/American

Cannella’s - @cannellasrestaurant - Italian

Caputo’s Market & Deli - @caputosmarket - Italian

Chedda Burger - @cheddaburgerut - American

Chile Tepin - @chiletepin - Mexican

Copper Canyon - 801-245-9333 - Mexican/American

CoreLife Eatery - @corelifeeateryut - Scratch-made food with bold flavors

Current Fish & Oyster - @currentfishandoyster - Seafood

Curry N’Kabobs - Afghani

Cytybyrd Cafe - @cytybyrd - Breakfast, Lunch, Tapas

Este Pizzeria - @estepizzaslc - Italian/Pizza

Eva - @evaslc - Tapas

Five Sushi Brothers - @fivesushibrothers - Japanese

From Scratch - @slcfromscratch - New American/Fusion

Ginger Street - @gingerstreetslc - Hawker Style/Asian

Gourmandise - @gourmandisethebakery - French Bakery

HallPass SLC - @hallpassslc - Food Hall

Himalayan Kitchen - @himalayankitchenslc -Nepali & Indian Cuisine

Honest Eatery - @eatathonest - Acai Bowls

HSL- @hslrestaurant - New American

Itto Sushi - @ittosushi - Sushi/Japanese

J Dawgs - @jdawgs - Hot Dogs

J. Wong’s - Thai & Chinese

Kaze Sushi Bar and Grill - @kazesushislc - Sushi/Japanese

Lake Effect - @lakeeffectslc - Latin Inspired

Maize - @maizetacosut - Tacos/Mexican

Market Street - @marketstreetutah - American

Maxwell’s East Coast Eatery - @maxwellsslc - Pizza/American

Mollie and Ollie - @mollieandollies - Wraps, Bowls, Breakfast

O'Shucks Bar & Grill Ahh Sushi - Japanese/Sushi

Padelis - @padelisstreetgreek - Greek

Pie Hole - Pizza

Pretty Bird Chicken - @prettybirdchicken - Nashville Style Hot Chicken

Pulp Lifestyle Kitchen - @pulplifestyle - Healthy Eats & Juices

The Ramen Bar - @ramenbarslc - Ramen/Japanese

Robin’s Nest - Sandwiches

Saffron Valley - @thesaffrongroup - Indian

Settebello - @ settebellopizzeria - Neopolitan Style Pizza/Italian

Sicilia Pizza and Kitchen - Pizza/Italian

Siegfried's Delicatessen -German Deli

SLC Eatery - Modern American

Spitz -@spitzpics - Mediterranean inspired wraps and bowls

Squatters - @squattersbeers - American & Pub Food

Toasters - Sandwiches & Wraps

Toro Toro - @officialtorotoro - Mexican

Tucanos Brazilian Grill - Brazilian

Village Baker - American

Vosen's Bread Paradise - Bakery & Sandwiches

Zest - @zestslc - Plant-based food

*Participating restaurants are subject to change. Please contact  if you see any inaccuracies or know of any additional downtown restaurants that will be offering these services.

At lunchtime on a recent Friday, the line at Toasters (30 E. Broadway) snaked through the deli and out the door, enticing every passerby with savory aromas of gently toasted sandwiches and wraps. Diners were busy digging into their gourmet sandwiches, salads and specialty coffees, meanwhile attentive staff helped each customer to pick out the perfect mid-day meal.  

From the outside, this seems like your standard success story: Toasters is one of many fast-casual restaurants that have sprouted up downtown, with unique decor, friendly cashiers and food that is a cut above the quality of standard fast-food fare. But at Toasters, the story goes far beyond the food and ambiance. It’s an opportunity to experience the true American dream.

In March of 1996, Enes Huskic, owner of Toasters, left war-torn Bosnia and immigrated to America looking for a better life. With his city left in shambles, the broke 24-year-old ended up in Salt Lake City hoping to create a new prosperous path. He started with random jobs in the restaurant business. While working in the food industry, Enes had the opportunity to open his own deli. To make this happen, he took the next two years to polish his English skills and worked in construction to earn and save money. In June 2002, the first Toasters (151 W. and 200 South) opened.

Shortly after the first shop opened, he met his future wife Mubera. Using Enes’ sandwiches as the foundation of their business, they worked together to bring a European approach to the corner sandwich shop. Originally, the deli sold grilled, panini-type sandwiches made of locally baked bread, fresh vegetables and high-quality meats and cheeses. Over time, the menu has grown from just sandwiches to wraps, salads, bagels, locally roasted coffees and European candies and snacks. Enes felt at home with this new endeavor, since he grew up behind the counter working in his family business.

Just as the menu has grown and evolved, so has the business. Toasters has three downtown locations, one in Cottonwood Heights and a fifth shop opening in Millcreek later this year. It is not surprising that Enes and Mubera also built a loyal workforce of over 30 employees. They credit their staff for the restaurant’s popularity based on its reputation for outstanding food and customer service.

Downtown’s energy, diversity, workforce and growth provide the perfect hub for Toasters. Enes thrives on the hustle and bustle and enjoys greeting new and loyal customers. His enthusiasm for his employees and products is palpable. His quick wit and kindness make anyone feel welcome in his shop.

Utah’s vast mountains are another reason why Enes ended up here. The Wasatch reminds him of the area of Bosnia that he grew up in. When Enes and his family are not working, they love to ski, mountain bike, hike and fish. Utah is his paradise - whatever you want to do, Salt Lake is the place.

Has the snow, cold weather and shorter winter days got you feeling down? Nothing beats the winter blues like eating something hot and spicy. Downtown Salt Lake’s spice trail of flavorful food finds range from hot chicken sandwiches and dim sum to molés and curries. With downtown’s ever-evolving culinary scene, there’s no shortage of eateries dishing up and delivering heat to warm your soul (and taste buds) during the winter months. Here are some of our fiery favorites.

Bird is the Word

Nashville-style hot chicken is sizzling at Pretty Bird https://prettybirdchicken.com/ (146 S. Regent St). The refreshingly simple menu consists of a fried chicken sandwich, a quarter bird (breast, wing, leg or thigh), a few sides and beverages. Their signature jumbo-sized sandwich starts with a juicy, boneless chicken thigh fried and seasoned to your preferred spice level (you get a choice of mild, medium, hot or "hot behind") and is topped with pickles, a cider slaw and a buttermilk-based PB sauce, all stuffed in a soft, buttery bun.

HallPass https://www.hallpassslc.com/ (153 S. Rio Grande St), Salt Lake's first food hall, just opened and brings the heat with the Blaze of Thunder menu. Crispy hot chicken is available as a sandwich or wings, tenders, breasts, thighs or legs. Choose your desired heat level from 0 m.p.h (no spice) to 500 m.p.h. (hotter than your ex). Southern sides of coleslaw, potato salad, macaroni and cheese, collard greens, frog eye salad and banana pudding help put out the flame.

Take the Spice Route

Bundle up and meet some friends at Hong Kong Tea House http://hongkongteahouse.yolasite.com/ (565 W. 200 South) to experience some of downtown’s best dim sum. Since dim sum is prepared in small-plate portions, diners are able to try and share a variety of authentic dishes, including rice noodle rolls and pan-fried dumplings. Make sure to try their famous steamed barbecue pork buns - three steaming, doughy spheres with a healthy amount of moist, juicy, barbecue-style pork chunks inside. Serving an extensive dim sum menu (only until 3 p.m.), they also have a lunch and dinner menu featuring traditional Chinese entrees and a diverse tea selection.

Southeast Asian fare, showcasing Chinese, Vietnamese and Thai flavors, is what sets apart Ginger Street https://www.gingerstreet.com/ (324 S. State St) from the rest. Identifying as a casual “Southeast Asian Hawker Style Street Food” restaurant, Ginger Street features a fresh and locally sourced, inventive menu in a hip and clean atmosphere. Don’t miss out on the popular crispy duck fresh rolls, loaded with fresh lettuce, basil and savory duck meat, all wrapped in rice paper, like a spring roll. Steamed pork buns, pad thai and orange chicken are other favorites served at this “fast-casual” dining entity. 

Scurry for Some Curry Bump up the spice level at Curry N’ Kabobs http://www.currynkabobsutah.com/  (268 S. Main St) for a burn so good that you won’t be able to stop. Specializing in authentic Indian and Afghan cuisine, this cozy eatery serves up made-from-scratch classics such as curries and kabobs, along with a variety of traditional dishes such as Beryani bowls and Mantu dumplings. Indian food can be prepared from mild to volcanic, so it would be wise to pair your meal with a refreshing mango lassi.

Himalayan Kitchen https://www.himalayankitchen.com/ (360 S. State St) is downtown’s award-winning Indian and Nepalese restaurant. Dedicated Nepali chefs use the freshest ingredients to prepare classics like saag paneer, vindaloo, tikka masala and aloo gobi in their sizzling Tandoori grills. Warm, hand-made naan accompanies any of those dishes, allowing you to soak up every last drop of savory sauce. Sip on organic Himalayan coffee while savoring Momos - a typical Nepali steamed dumpling stuffed with moderately spiced filling of minced chicken or vegetables.

Taco EVERYDAY!

Whether it’s Taco Tuesday or a frigid Friday in February, hungry diners gather at Taqueria 27 https://taqueria27.com/ (149 E. 200 South) for the popular, versatile culinary phenom known as the taco. The shell is a vessel for scrumptious fillings ranging from duck confit and pork belly to roasted seasonal veggies and carne asada. Salads, starters, enchiladas, mole platters and desserts round out the menu, along with an extensive tequila inventory. Fun fact: they have daily guacamole, taco and fish specials which has people coming back time and time again to sample the chef’s new creations. 

Named after the hot chile-tepin pepper, Chile-Tepin http://www.chile-tepin.com/home (307 W. 200 South) prepares classic dishes of Mexico from family recipes handed down for generations, using the freshest local ingredients. Their popular molcajete features a large heated lava rock bowl (called a molcajete) brimming with grilled steak, chicken, shrimp, nopales (cactus) and sticks of queso fresco simmering in green tomatillo sauce and topped with charred jalapeños and onion. Sides of rice, smoky beans and warm tortillas make this an easy dish to share with friends. Olé!

Welcome to the new year! We’re seeing good progress on many of the projects we’ve already announced, and are hearing some more already coming down the pipeline. Keep an eye on the blog because 2020 is sure to bring plenty of new business activity.

Recently Opened

Blue Marlin | 136 East South Temple

Photo courtesy of Stuart Melling | Gastronomic SLC

This new restaurant at the base of South Temple Tower considers itself to be a blend of new American and traditional Japanese cuisines. In addition to a full sushi menu, you’ll find an assortment of innovative small plates and chef-driven entrees. Though not quite available yet, you won’t want to miss the omakase dinner, a multi-course dining experience specially designed by the chef.

City Corner | 218 South 300 East

From the looks of it, the City Corner convenience store on North Temple has opened a second location on the eastern edge of downtown. While not a full-fledged grocer, this should prove to be a real convenience for what will continue to be an expanding residential area.

Everything Utah | 311 South State Street
It’s no secret that Salt Lake City has a bustling tourism economy. We expect it to continue growing, so it only makes sense for a local souvenir shop to pop up on State Street. Everything Utah focuses on curating a selection of local goods that celebrate our great State and City.

HallPass | At The Gateway

It’s high time for Salt Lake City to finally be getting a food hall to call our own. Vendors will include eight restaurants and two bars, such as the popular Vegas concept SkinnyFATS, CodSpeed, Beer Zombies, and Raining Ramen. Get ready for a new go-to spot for everything from breakfast to your late-night drinks!

Opening Soon

The Shop | 340 East 400 South
As coworking concepts continue to flourish in the downtown area, we are excited to see The Shop expand from its home in New Orleans. It will be a part of the larger development going on that corner known as The Exchange. With an array of different housing options at The Exchange, this will be a true live-work opportunity. Keep an eye out as there are other planned retail elements of this project we’ll be able to tell you about soon!

Do you know of a new business I missed? Got a tip of one getting ready to open? Let me know at !

The holiday season can only mean the new year is just around the corner! Downtown doesn’t wait for the new year, though, and there are plenty of new businesses that have opened recently. Whether you’re looking for some gifts, or need a bite to eat amidst your shopping, check out some of these new establishments!

Recently Opened

Bluprint | At City Creek Center

Bluprint is a unique community for creators of all sorts. The online platform provides opportunities to learn all types of skills, from quilting and knitting to cake decorating and art. The new store at City Creek Center provides a range of project kits with everything you need to get started, perfect for yourself or to gift to someone else!

Louis Vuitton | At City Creek Center

You probably don’t need much of an introduction to this French luxury retailer. Many have been waiting anxiously for the opening of Utah’s first Louis Vuitton store. Well, it’s here in plenty of time for your holiday shopping!

Mr. Shabu | At The Gateway

Many Salt Lakers aren’t as familiar with Shabu Shabu, an Asian hot pot dining experience. Mr. Shabu hopes to introduce you to an upscale version at the new Gateway restaurant. Start out by choosing your broth, select from an array of quality sliced meats, and finish by loading up on veggies and other tasty add-ins at the stocked salad bar. 

Momi Donuts | At The Gateway

Doughnut lovers, get ready for a new spin on your favorite treat! Momi’s “mochi doughnuts” are made with glutinous rice flour and tapioca starch, giving them a chewier texture than traditional ones. In case you have any question as to whether these are breakfast or dessert, the store doesn’t open until noon daily.

Smith Bespoke Tailors | 311 South State Street

Formerly known as Chalk Mark, Smith Bespoke has been around since 2015. With their new location on Broadway, they are ready to serve the downtown market. While there is a range of custom when it comes to suiting, you’ll find truly bespoke options to customize every aspect and ensure your suit fits your size and style. 

Sweet Rolled Tacos | At The Gateway

The southern California chain has opened its second Utah location. If the name sounds intriguing, just wait until you taste the combination of rolled ice cream in a waffle cone shell finished off with candy and other sweet toppings. It may be cold outside, but that won’t keep you from enjoying the clever creations at Sweet Rolled Tacos.

Top Shelf | 65 West 100 South

Top Shelf is a high-end streetwear boutique specializing in exclusive sneakers. Visit LA or New York and you’ll find similar stores requiring you to wait in hours-long lines or try your chance in a lottery. Here, you’ll see a wall of hard-to-find Jordans, Nike, and Adidas shoes ready for purchase alongside Supreme and other merchandise.

Toro Toro | 55 West 100 South

The space formerly occupied by Caffé Molise is now home to a new Mexican restaurant. Toro Toro is focused on bringing an authentic Mexican dining experience to downtown. It is still in soft opening, so expect to see some menu changes over the coming weeks and months. No patio yet, but we’re hoping we might get to see it closer to the warm summer months!

Opening Soon 

Calavera Cantina | 63 West 100 South

We’re still waiting to hear more about Calavera Cantina, but we’re looking forward to plans for a tequila bar opening up in the old BTG space. It could be the perfect nightcap after dinner at Toro Toro.

Do you know of a new business I missed? Got a tip of one getting ready to open? Let me know at !

Close your eyes for a minute and picture your favorite café, where the sounds of grinding, tamping and the espresso machine's own natural music complement the background soundtrack. Your ears perk up to the barista who knows the simple power of a nice hello and takes the time to explain the characteristics of the house brew. It sends a message that coffee-making is handled with care here, one at a time, without the assembly-line approach. This is the scene that greets you at The People’s Coffee (221 E. Broadway Street).

Co-owners Omar Jamhour and Allen Salazar are in the business of blending beans and beats. By day, they whip up a mean cup of joe at The People’s Coffee. By night, they are Z & Z: a high-octane EDM (electronic dance music) DJ/producer duo, bridging the gap between multiple electronic music genres.

In 2015, a mutual friend (who happened to be the original owner of The People’s Coffee that Jamhour visited daily) introduced the two. Jamhour (a DJ) and Salazar (a DJ/producer) started working together and realized that when they blended their different styles of music, the fusion was electric. They integrate music influence from their Middle Eastern and Latin backgrounds to create a wide variety of genres and tempos, from dubstep to house to future bass.

Looking to find more time to focus on their music, they left their jobs and purchased The People’s Coffee. Salazar had worked in various coffee shops and Jamhour brought his experience in business to the table. Owning a coffee shop gave a way to make money and pursue their careers in the music business. Three years later, they are still going as strong as the dark roast coffee they brew and performing at Salt Lake’s biggest nightclubs and music festivals.

The People’s Coffee is literally all about people. They showcase businesses within the community. Local coffee roaster Caffe Ibis is the signature bean that your mocha, cold brew or latte is made of. If coffee is not on the agenda, fresh cold-pressed juices from the neighborhood Pulp Lifestyle Kitchen, Thai tea and rich hot cocoa quench the thirst of any guest.

Hungry? You will be when you see the variety of goodies behind the glass. Satisfy your sweet tooth with creations from Salt Lake’s own Fillings and Emulsions. Melt-in-your-mouth macarons are offered in a rainbow of colors and flavors, along with tarts, cakes and pastries. Want something more savory? The barista puts on another hat as a panini artist and crafts the perfect turkey or veggie sandwich.

Besides supporting local businesses, Jamhour and Salazar are all about showing off the artistic talent within the community. As you walk in, browse the west wall, which is peppered with artwork done by local artists, hoping to find a breakthrough. The shop gives a place to hang their art to be sold, without taking a penny of commission (which is practically unheard of at most coffee shops).

An open mic night is another way The People’s Coffee likes to reach out. As artists themselves, Salazar and Jamhour like to host budding musicians, comedians and poets and give them a taste of what live performance is all about, in a fun, judgment-free zone. Stop by on the second Saturday of the month and check out some local entertainment.

The music and coffee worlds collide at The People’s Coffee. As DJs, they spend their time reading the crowd on the dance floor and they do the same thing when people come into the shop. They try and understand what customers like and don't like, by watching their reactions. Being aware of the audience and staying true to their product is where Jamhour and Salazar excel.

Check them out!
221 E Broadway Street
Salt Lake City, Utah 84111
(801) 906-8761
https://www.facebook.com/thepeoplescoffee/

The dropping temperatures are evidence that we are close to the holiday season. As you get ready for some major shopping, keep an eye out for some stores opening up downtown. Of course, you don’t want to forget the new restaurants to keep you nourished amidst all the frenzy!

Recently Opened

Arempa’s Venezuelan Cuisine | 350 South State Street
Visit Arempa’s for a menu full of Venezuela favorites ranging from arepas and cachapa to empanadas and patacon. Perhaps you’re like me and not totally familiar with all these dishes, but a quick look at their menu will prove you’ll want to become familiar.

Coming Home | At The Gateway
Just in time for all your holiday decorating needs, Coming Home has opened up a pop-up shop at The Gateway. Various fall and holiday decor includes centerpieces, wreaths, and even fully-decorated trees. Located right next to Salt & Honey Market, you’ve got a one-stop-shop this holiday.

Gem Studio | At City Creek Center
Gem Studio is a local workshop where you can learn to design and create your own unique jewelry. The experience provides an opportunity to utilize silversmithing skills and gem placement. Proceeds go to support humanitarian efforts in Uganda, so you can feel good about your new skills!

MCycle | 355 West 400 South
The cycling studio is now open right across from Pioneer Park. It joins a collection of boutique exercise studios to provide amazing options to stay in shape downtown, perfect given the cooling temperatures we are currently experiencing. With 50 bikes and several classes daily, you’re sure to find a class that works for you.

Stance x Donovan Mitchell | At City Creek Center
The ever-popular Jazz player has teamed up with Stance to open up a one-of-a-kind shopping experience at City Creek Center. The store features some of Donovan Mitchell’s favorite brands, including some of his own signature gear. Stop by and maybe you’ll even have a chance to run into Spida in person.

The Store | At The Gateway
There’s always a demand for more grocery options in the downtown area, and The Store has delivered. Conveniently located within The Gateway at the intersection of 100 South and Rio Grande, you can find an assortment of quality, local food on the western edge of downtown. 

Opening Soon 

Alpha Coffee | On Regent Street
The local coffee roaster recently opened their first storefront in Cottonwood Heights, and is now expanding downtown. We’re told the concept will include a full café, adding perfectly Regent Street as an increasingly vibrant dining destination.

FreshFin Poké | On Regent Street
Another new addition coming soon to Regent Street, FreshFin is an expansion out of Milwaukee offering up a variety of different poké bowls. “Coming Soon” signs are already up in the windows, so we’re hoping we may see this one up its doors before the full force of the holiday season.

Good Burger | On Regent Street
If you want a good burger, this Boise-based chain claims to have found the right recipe. You’ll be able to choose from a selection of premium hamburgers, chicken sandwiches, and even a veggie burger. We’ll see how it stacks up to some of our local favorites.

Great Taste | At City Creek Center
We don’t have much to report on this one just yet, but the signs that recently went up on shop windows suggest we might be having a cooking-related retail store coming soon. Here’s to hoping it opens up before the holidays!

Do you know of a new business I missed? Got a tip of one getting ready to open? Let me know at !

“I grew up in the restaurant business,” says Bourbon Group (bourbongroup.com) Executive Chef Matt Crandall of his years in hospitality. His great-grandparents owned and operated downtown neighborhood staple Hale’s Market, and grandfather Don Hale founded Salt Lake City institutions Hires Big H and Litzas Pizza. Crandall’s first job was parking lot picker-upper starting in fourth grade. Says Crandall with a laugh, “It was a big deal when I got promoted to dishwasher,” as a teenager.

He’s come a long way since those seminal years in the family shops’ parking lot. Crandall attended the Western Culinary Institute in Portland and worked at Aspen, Colorado’s prestigious Caribou Club. “It was great,” he says of the experience, “but my intention was always to come back to Utah.” He did so in anticipation of the 2002 Winter Olympic Games restaurant build-up, leading kitchens at some of Salt Lake City and Park City’s top spots including a five-year stint at Spencer's for Steaks and Chops.  

Crandall also credits good timing with joining the Bourbon Group. “[Managing partner] Jason LeCates approached me right after he opened Bourbon House (19 E. 200 South, bourbonhouseslc.com). And then we opened Whiskey Street (323 S. Main St, whiskeystreet.com) together,” bringing the group’s concept of great food, top-shelf spirits and craft cocktails to Main Street six years ago. Shortly thereafter, the team opened White Horse Spirits and Kitchen (325 Main St, whitehorseslc.com) with an upscale American brasserie vibe. Says Crandall of overseeing three distinct concepts, “We had to have each spot stand on its own,” for both the menu and ambiance. “You can’t compete with yourself,” and still make all three successful, he says.  

Beyond the walls of Crandall’s three kitchens, however, the competitive gloves come off. He won multiple “Taste of Utah” events while at Spencer’s, has had recipes featured in national competitions (such as his cherry and kirsch-soaked lava cake, which won the national Cherry Institute top prize) and was the winner of the inaugural Downtown Alliance Chef Showdown in 2017. “That one really challenged me as a chef,” says Crandall of the live throwdown starring kohlrabi as the mystery ingredient. “I’d never even seen it before, so it really made me think outside the box.” His Southern-inspired first course of kohlrabi prepared in the spirit of fried green tomatoes with a vibrant smear of pimento cheese was a crowd favorite. Most recently, the Bourbon Group received a much-coveted spot in the Salt Lake City airport terminal expansion, set to open September 2020.     

The key to keeping innovative? “Travel,” says Crandall definitively. “You’ve got keep trying new things to stay on top of your game.” As Bourbon Group Food and Beverage Director, he says pulling inspiration from great food cities like Chicago, Portland, Nashville and Seattle is a crucial and on-going part of his job. He also credits his wife (who also has a background in the restaurant biz) and four children with keeping him grounded. “Maintaining a balance of work and family life is key,” he says of the industry’s notorious time sacrifices. “Getting outside makes for great family days,” spending most of his summer hours off boating and wakeboarding with the Crandall crew.  

But Crandall’s earliest family foundations remain the core of his success. “My grandfather was all about having the best quality ingredients,” he says of his youth spent in kitchens: “Everything was made from scratch in-house.” Each Bourbon Group restaurant shows the same attention to detail, from house-made ketchup to his superlative smoked Tasso ham. “It’s a commitment to quality that I learned early,” Crandall says with a smile.

We’ve been experiencing a bit of a heatwave in SLC lately, and the retail scene is just as hot. We may have only seen a couple of openings during the holiday-heavy month of July, but watch for more throughout the rest of summer. While you’re at it, keep an eye out for some of the new public art going up downtown, like this one at The Gateway.

Recently Opened

Chedda Burger | At The Gateway
The local-favorite burger joint has finally opened up at its new home on Restaurant Row at The Gateway. This location replaces the former one on 600 South, making it easier than ever to access on your lunch break. The decadent creations make for a deliciously sloppy meal, and you can substitute your burger for fried chicken if that suits your fancy. Make sure you come hungry because you don’t want to skip out on sides, ranging from the renowned chedda tots to a variation on poutine.

Roolee | At City Creek Center
Based in Logan, Roolee is expanding into Salt Lake City. The clothing brand specially curates an assortment of apparel and accessories to appeal to any Utah woman. You’ll also find a variety of kids clothing and home decor.

Opening Soon 

Arempa’s Venezuelan Cuisine | 350 South State Street
If you aren’t already familiar with arepas, prepare to fall in love. The South American street food is like a cornmeal sandwich stuffed with all sorts of ingredients, such as meats, beans, avocado, and of course, melty cheese. I expect Arempa’s will also serve up empanadas and other Venezuelan favorites.

Louis Vuitton | At City Creek Center
The luxury French fashion house is opening its first Utah outpost at City Creek Center. Expect to see the designer, bags, accessories, and fragrances for both men and women.

Mac’s Place | 308 West Broadway
The social club is making a comeback in Downtown SLC. The members-only lounge, slated to open later this summer, will feature classic amenities such as an in-house barber and tailor. With plenty of vintage furniture and other decor, this could well be the next hot spot for your business meeting. Be sure to sign up early as memberships are limited!

Mr. Shabu | At The Gateway
Another concept joining the growing restaurant scene over at The Gateway, Mr. Shabu will offer modern Asian hot pot dining. Set to open in fall this year, you’ll be able to choose from meats and vegetables to cook in different broths at your table in your very own hot pots. Did I mention it’s all-you-can-eat? Better start practicing your chop stick skills!

Do you know of a new business I missed? Got a tip of one getting ready to open? Let me know at !

Whether you are looking for guacamole or ghost stories, you can find it all at one of Salt Lake City’s oldest and most popular restaurants – the Rio Grande Café (270 S. Rio Grande St). Nestled in the historic Rio Grande Train Depot (300 S. Rio Grande St), the café combines the best of early 20th century architecture with a hip, young vibe. The vintage surroundings take you back to an earlier time when train passengers rushed in for a “blue plate special” before catching the cross-country California Zephyr.

Locally-made neon signs beckon you into the café with promises of “trackside dining” and “air conditioning.” A circular oak counter stands in the center of the restaurant, just as it stood when the café opened more than 100 years ago. Only now, it has a toy train hovering overhead on a specially-mounted track. When you take a seat at the bar, you will notice the original oak stools, each stenciled on the back with the name of a long-time patron.

“These are just the names of some of the café’s most loyal regulars,” explains Abby, a server who enjoys the camaraderie of the familiar lunch crowd. The sound of the antique jukebox echoes against the high ceiling while customers linger over their chips and signature salsa.

The Rio Grande Café – originally known as the Rio Grande Coffee Shop – opened the same year as the massive train depot in 1910 and was operated by the train company at first. But during World War II, the wartime crowds grew too big and in 1944 the café was leased out to locals Dale Moss and George and Nelda Busby.

“It was busy,” Nelda told an interviewer in 1982. “The train company couldn’t handle the constant traffic of the troop trains. We were open twenty-four hours a day and the place was constantly full. The troop trains would come in, and because the diner cars hadn’t been able to accommodate all of them, the soldiers would spill into the café. When we couldn’t move them through fast enough, the soldiers would bus the tables and wash the dishes so everyone got a chance to eat.”

Over the kitchen door still hangs an old-fashioned numbers board that used to light up when each order was ready for pick-up, a reminder of long ago. Moss and his partners operated the restaurant for more than 35 years, during which time it remained popular even when train traffic waned.

In 1979, the entire train depot was purchased by the Utah Historical Society and the Rio Grande Coffee Shop closed with the retirement of Moss and his partners. It was soon reincarnated as the Rio Grande Café serving Mexican food with its trademark salsas and specialty margaritas. Fortunately, the historic décor was saved and, even today, the original oak paneling, antique oak chairs and linoleum-topped tables add rich atmosphere. Floor-to-ceiling windows overlook the old train tracks where diners awaited their train arrivals. The last trains stopped running in the 1980s but the clock on the café wall still glows “Zephyr’ in bright turquoise neon.

Behind the counter sit timeless wooden refrigerators with glass doors and an authentic phone booth is down the hall. Tasty enchiladas are served on old-fashioned plates; watch for one of the original “blue plates” still circulating at the café. Just when you feel you might actually be back in the 1950s you will catch sight of the giant papier-mache taco hanging from the ceiling! This fascinating art sculpture (done by a University of Utah student in the 1980s) is entitled “Chick-In-Taco” – pun intended!

Beyond the delicious food and vintage vibe, you can also visit the café in search of the famous ghost of the Purple Lady. Abby, the server, tells me there are many versions of the tragic tale, all involving love and death. “In the one I heard, the lady dressed in purple sends her lover off to war on the train right out there – I think it is during World War I – and she waits for him to return. Instead of seeing him get off the train at the end of the war, she finds out he was killed and she throws herself on the tracks in her uncontrollable grief. They carried her body to the ladies’ restroom and people still see her ghost wandering through there today!”

Pete Henderson and his family ran the café from the 1980s until recently, when it was sold to local restaurateurs Byron Lovell, Matt Bourgeois and Bryan O’Meara. They are known for fabulous restorations of other historic buildings, most recently bringing their Porcupine Pub and Grille to the old fire station by the University of Utah. The Rio Grande Café’s storied past and evocative décor keep this excellent restaurant thriving today as a community icon.