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More than two dozen new Utah restaurants, cafes and bars to explore

Bix - fruit tart (Gastronomic SLC)

Hopefully by now you’ve either tossed the turkey or bragged about how the frozen remains will make for great burritos for weeks to come (that’s me pretending I haven’t made a terrible mistake with a ginormous bird). At any rate I’m guessing your taste buds are now craving something substantially more intriguing than spuds and sprouts. Here then, more than two dozen new restaurants, bakers, bars and more – all recently opened, or expected any day soon.

Bix

In case you missed this story, seasoned restauranteur Lavanya Mahate has now opened her latest venture in Salt Lake City (479 E 2100 S). Bix is a new cafe spot on the edge of Sugar House and South Salt Lake and offers a multi-purpose space perfect for an early morning caffeine hit, or afternoon laptop and latte stop in.

2 Row Brewing

After a successful crowd funding effort, the Midvale expansion of this popular local brewer is now open. The State Street location (7200 S.) features a full bar setup as well games such as pool, and darts. The opening promises expanded taproom space, a new retail area and even more brewing facilities for the company. I believe a menu of cold and hot sandwiches are available too.

Aggie’s Ice Cream

Here’s a bit from the USU confirming the opening of a Logan location for the century old ice cream company.

Baby's Bagels - various bagels
Baby’s Bagels – various bagels (Gastronomic SLC)

Baby’s Bagels

The following info popped into my inbox from this popular bagel maker in SLC. The email confirmed the following all new brick and mortar location for Baby’s Bagels:

“You heard it right: we’re opening a brick-and-mortar! The soft open for our shop is this Saturday, 11/11. We’re one storefront to the east of our old location (the address is still 204 E 500 S). For the next few weeks, we will be in soft open mode as we work out the kinks and expand our menu and hours. Soft Launch Hours: We plan to be open on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday from 8-noon (or sellout). Soft Launch Menu: Bagels, cream cheese, and a classic lox sandwich. Lady Flour will be serving up rugelach, mini cakes, and cookies and we’ll be serving Pink Elephant Coffee.”

Coco Loco Sausages

Long term readers will know my obsession with sausages. Long term readers will know my obsession with a great business name. Even new readers will now know, this one has me hook, line and sinker. Coco Loco’s headline promise is one of “the biggest sausage sandwich in America”. You can check out what that looks like in practice over on their Instagram before checking them out in person at the ComCom Kitchen commissary space on 1700 E.

Chez Nibs - bon bons (Aimee Cook)
Chez Nibs – bon bons (Aimee Cook)

Chez Nibs

Romina Rasmussen’s latest adventure in confection is now rocking and rollin’ in downtown SLC (212 E 500 S). We recently wrote about the specifics over in this story – and why you’re eating your bon bons wrong…

Drunken Kitchen

Now open each Friday, noon till midnight, this new take out / delivery spot. The business calls itself a “Chinese and Taiwanese fusion” and features a menu spiked with tingling Sichuan flavor. Mapo tofu, three cup chicken and handmade noodles appear to be highlights.

Fisher Brewing Company

Another local brewer spreading their weekends. The new tap room at Fisher recently opened according to their Facebook account. Building Salt Lake previously had this great story before the expansion began proper. The bolt-on to the East side of the Fisher space adds nearly 1,500 square feet of usable space, more than doubling indoor capacity.

Hash Kitchen

Head on over to Utah Business for this press release which has all the details on the latest Savory Fund business to begin deployment in Utah. The restaurant is the work of Joey Maggiore and outside of Utah is known for their “build your own Bloody Mary Bar”. The Utah opening over in Draper (264 E 12300 S) takes a more Beehive-appropriate direction mind you – sporting a build your own donut bar. The restaurant’s opening in Utah is the first outside of their home state of Arizona, and is part of the current trend du jour for all day brunch and breakfast spots.

As the name suggests the menu features a range of hashes, everything from the self explanatory hangover hash through to creations with braised beef and smoked ham. Other brunch staples such as benedicts, burgers, burritos star.

Hog & Tradition - stacked brisket sandwich
Hog & Tradition – stacked brisket sandwich (Gastronomic SLC)

Hog & Tradition

Not a new opening per se, but certainly a notably new change. Geoff Patmides’ BBQ business has now made the leap over to the HallPass food hall in The Gateway. The move comes after news that Patmides’ other food hall business – Lamb & Feta – also made a similar recent migration. Both of Patmides’ business made the journey West across down, leaving food hall The Local.

Katsu City

Focused on Korean-style katsu, I’ll leave all the talking on this new West Jordan (1389 W 9000 S) restaurant to Pho King, who recently sampled the restaurant writing:

“Katsu City is a Korean style Katsu joint that opened just 2 weeks ago! They relocated from Provo after being closed for a year. This might be the best Asian style katsu I’ve had in Utah. We ordered the chicken katsu and tenderloin katsu. The chicken katsu was clearly better here. The breading is great. Incredibly crispy, even my leftovers a day later were awesome. Served with rice, cabbage slaw with sesame dressing, spicy pickled rashish, pickled onion, and katsu sauce. The katsu sauce was nice, but generic to me. It’s like a sweet Worcestershire sauce.”

Kona Grill

Joining a roster of other national names in Riverton’s Mountain View Village – this steak and seafood chain. This is the first Kona location in Utah. MVV is also notably home to Utah’s first proper Panera, and also the first Utah Shake Shack with drive-thru. Locally built brands at the complex include Las Botellas and Dirty Bird Chxx.

Kona are part of The One Group family of brands, which also features STK Steakhouse, coming to downtown SLC any day now.

Loki Coffee exterior (Loki Coffee)
Loki Coffee exterior (Loki Coffee)

Loki Coffee

This new SLC coffee shop (325 East 900 South) is one more to add an ever burgeoning brew scene. Here’s the full presser on their opening.

. . .

Loki Coffee, new specialty coffee shop founded by dynamic husband and wife team, Jake He and Herminia Dela Cruz He, is excited to announce it’s official Grand Opening on Saturday, November 11, 2023, from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM MT. The event will take place in downtown Salt Lake, at 325 East 900 South, Salt Lake City, Utah, 84111.

With an unwavering commitment to hospitality and providing guests with an unforgettable farm-to-cup experience, our mission is to create an inviting space enhancing your day-to-day experiences with awesome coffee, people, and vibes.

The team at Loki coffee will kick off with an official ribbon-cutting ceremony with the founders, family, and friends. Doors will open at 9:00 AM with events, giveaways, and tastings planned for the day. Come by for a cup of coffee, tea, seasonal, or signature Loki Coffee drink and enjoy some pastries and more!

“We are excited to share our passion and love for coffee and hospitality with the salt lake community, and to work with equally passionate partners, vendors, and team members,” Herminia Dela Cruz He. “The cafe scene is what drew me into this industry. I fell in love with the community a coffee shop created with regulars and the ongoing creative vibe complemented by an interchanging of seasonal drinks, events, food, and pastries. After working in the specialty coffee industry for nearly 8 years, I’m excited to bring you Loki Coffee with my husband Jake and share what we’ve learned and what we love.”

“It’s always a goal of mine to dedicate myself to mastering a craft, and I fell in love with the coffee industry, drawn to latte art and the coffee culture,” Jake He. “With our background and experience, we want to build a cafe in Utah that embodies our belief and passion for coffee. We hope to create an open space for experience and learning for individuals in all walks of life. Coffee has helped me flourish great lifelong relationships and I look forward to making many more through it.”

Marcato Kitchen

Kyle Williams and Kris Davis are the names behind Marcato; the duo meeting while working at HSL. Despite their CVs featuring other notable high end spots in town – their focus here is on the humble stromboli. MK’s version uses a dough fermented for 72 hours before being deployed in creations as the Papa (Gerome’s fennel sausage, pickled onions, garlic bell peppers, provolone cheese, mozzarella cheese) and the Cuban (Citrus marinated pork shoulder, mortadella, gruyere cheese, pickles, passion fruit mustard). A full menu can be found on their website at marcatokitchen.com. The business opened days ago offering pickup out of Square Kitchen in SLC (751 W 800 S.)

Mandy-Joes Brownies & Bars

KPCW has the scoop on this one. The short story is that this new Kamas spot opened by Mandy Keddington will specialize in specializes in brownies and “blondie and is located next to Kamas Theatre.

Prime Corn

The Tribune’s Sean Means conformed this one via his weekly Utah Eats newsletter. This Square Kitchen Incubator business will be operating a popup inside City Hall through December 29th according to Means. Be sure to signup to the Trib’s weekly Utah Eats newsletter here for tipoffs from their team.

Sara Thai Kitchen - Khao man kai
Sara Thai Kitchen – Khao man kai (Gastronomic SLC)

Sara Thai Kitchen

You might recall I spoke about a possible new Thai restaurant moving into the 2400 sq ft Schmidt’s Pastry Cottage in Sugar House (609 E 2100 S). That’s now conformed as Sara Thai Kitchen who are now open in this location, making the move North from the edges of downtown SLC. I first wrote about these folks back in 2022 over in this article. My favorite dish at the time?

“the Khao Man Kai, a sort of Thai spin on Hainanese chicken. Simply cooked skin-on chicken is sliced and served over steaming Jasmine rice. On the side there’s a pot of liquid that needs no explanation, the surface quivers with rendered chicken fat making it clear this is for splashing over in gloriously waterfall fashion. The finishing touch to the otherwise subtle flavors is an assertive garlic and ginger sauce.”

As for the old location (60 E 800 S) – once home to the likes of The Woodshed, The Eklektik and Pasha Middle Eastern Cuisine – Aranya Thai Kitchen now calls it home.

Ramen Garden

Now open in Syracuse (2058 W 1700 S) is this ramen restaurant. Open seven days a week the restaurant offers ten varieties of the popular noodle dish as well as several other Japanese staples.

Umbrella Cafe

Now open seven days a week in SLC’s Umbrella Bookstore (511 W 200 S), this new coffee shop.

Yama Ramen

Ramen and donburi are the specialties at this new Park City (1700 Park Ave) eatery. The restaurant invites guests to a “taste of Fukuoka” and sports a menu that includes plenty of interesting items – tamakoyaki anyone?

Coming soon

Burger Stop

Val Phillips’ Chew And Chat blog recently confirmed this burger brand would be making their way South from Layton with a duo of options for Salt Lakers. Philips’ story confirms both a dine in option at Patrick’s Pub in downtown SLC as well as delivery through the likes of DoorDash and Grub Hub.

Egg Break

New for South Salt Lake (193 W. 2100 S.), another breakfast concept set to debut any day. Founded by Clay Beck and Chad Rigby, Egg Break will offer “a combination of twists on some classic breakfast sandwiches like the “NYC Bodega B.E.C.” their take on a Bacon Egg and Cheese while also introducing some more out-of-the-box options such as the “Pastrami Nom Nom”, an in-house brined and smoked pastrami breakfast sandwich with Dijon aioli and a fried egg with house brined pickles.” More info here via Utah business.

Felt Bar & Eatery

On the docket at this month’s DABS meeting, the name would seem to indicate this might land at the downtown historic building (340 S. Main). The space was recently left vacant when Pago On Main closed. As far as I am aware this is the first appearance of FB&E on DABS license lists. The new business look to be applying for a full bar license, projecting a Janunary 2024 opening.

Flower Child

Via press release

. . .

Sam Fox, eleven-time James Beard-nominated restauranteur and founder of Fox Restaurant Concepts, is opening the doors of the much-anticipated Flower Child in Salt Lake City by the second half of 2024. More than your typical restaurant, Flower Child is a place where you can come and fill your soul (and belly) with goodness. The healthy, vibrant, good-for-you beloved concept will be located at Foothill Village, one of Salt Lake City’s most recognized neighborhood for over 65 years. The center is undergoing a multi-million-dollar renovation which will include Flower Child’s new space. The team looks forward to spreading its soul-satisfying mission with positively good vibes to its first location in Utah.

“We are thrilled at this opportunity to bring Flower Child to Utah,” says Sam Fox, founder of Fox Restaurant Concepts. “We knew Salt Lake City would be the perfect location to plant more roots. From our diverse menu with something for everyone, and our commitment to hospitality, we hope the community loves this spot as much as we do.”

Flower Child’s menu caters to all lifestyles – vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, on-the-goers, and anything goes. The customizable menu will feature fan-favorite dishes coupled with feel-good indulgences like the Mother Earth Bowl with ancient grains, sweet potato, portobello mushroom, avocado, cucumber, broccoli pesto, charred onion, leafy greens, red pepper miso vinaigrette, and hemp seed; the infamous oh-so-creamy, gluten-free Mac & Cheese with aged white cheddar and parmesan; the Chicken Enchiladas with guajillo chile, smoked gouda, poblano cream, organic black bean, roasted corn, and avocado; the Flying Avocado Wrap with smoked turkey, gouda, romaine, tomato, and avocado hummus; and the Brussels Sprouts & Organic Kale salad with red grape, organic apple, pink grapefruit, white cheddar, smoked almond, and apple cider vinaigrette.

Stop in to enjoy the good vibes and happy atmosphere the energetic team serves up daily, treat yourself to a meal on the beautiful patio, soak in the light, airy energy that flows throughout the space, or order online or through the app for fast and easy takeout.

“Flower Child is committed to fully integrating into the communities surrounding their restaurants,” Clare Walsh, Senior Director of Leasing Strategy at Asana Partners, said. “Part of our vision for Foothill Village has been to attract neighborhood-serving businesses like this that will draw residents to the property over and over. We’re excited to partner with them to bring a fresh, creative dining option to the neighborhood.”

Parea

I’d briefly mentioned this new SLC name coming soon but until now had no further details to add. Darby Doyle over in the SL Mag recently solidified things. Parea will be from the Manoli’s folks and as well as serving as both additional kitten space and neighborhood market the business will offer grab and go food too – think gyros and spanakopita.

Rio Brazilian

A new Brazilian steak house coming to Logan. You can track their progress over on Facebook.

Roots 89 Roadhouse

Expected soon is this one for Ephraim expected to serve up “specialty burgers, shakes, garlic cheese curds, and more.”

Scelto

This one coming to Sandy very soon at 849 E 9400 S.

Via press release

. . .

This December, Scelto (pronounced “Shell-toe) is opening their first flagship kitchen and restaurant to welcome friends, neighbors, locals, and visitors to their Sandy location to try their modern and unique take on Italian cuisine. “This great opportunity of opening a restaurant was driven by my deep love of food and real estate, and the scarcity of dining options in the southeast end of the valley,” says Waleska Iglesias – Co-Owner of Scelto. “My business partner, Scott Dilley, and I are excited to embark on this culinary enrichment and community-building journey, bringing a much-needed dining experience to Sandy. Our goal is to fill this gap and become a great gathering place for everyone.” The Scelto team expects to grow their business throughout the valley, and are applying for the new concept of the year award given by the Restaurant & Bar Design Awards. Scelto, recently featured in Gastronomic Salt Lake City , is excited for their official Grand Opening this December, where guests can enjoy the new Scelto atmosphere, menu, and what Waleska and Scott are bringing to the Sandy community.

Violet

This one looks set to be coming to the former Stratford Proper location on the East side of town. There’s little specificity on what locals might expect from the newcomer but their social media points to a spot that will offer brunch, lunch and dinner, all severed with a relaxed neighborhood feel. The upcoming restaurant is also on this month’s DABS listing for a restaurant liquor license.

Permit watch

Basta Pasteria – Projecting an opening of December 14th, this new restaurant appeared on this month’s DABS meeting notes. The business will be opening in Murray.

Crepe restaurant – Not much info yet but the details on the permit seem pretty clear. Link.

Hana Ramen – Now confirmed as coming to SLC, 915 S. Washington Street to be precise. A second location for the Park City based ramen business. Link.

Previously mentioned with no further update

We’ve previously written about the following restaurants in posts tracking new restaurants around Utah. We’ve heard no further news on these at this time – but that’s not to say they didn’t open! If you know of any business opening that eluded our gaze, please do get in touch.

Opening a new restaurant in Utah? Be sure to read our restaurant resource section which includes info on everything from marketing through POS systems.

Other useful links



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