More names to add to this year’s growing list of closures

Sal Y Limon

Opening in Spring earlier this year, the Midvale taco spot was launched by the folks behind Sol Agave and Blind Rabbit. In recent weeks, the business had signalled new ownership, but sadly, the restaurant has now confirmed its permanent closure.

The Instagram post from the business reads, ” Dear Valued Customers, We want to sincerely thank you for your support and for giving us the privilege to serve you. It has been an honor to share our food and hospitality with this community.

The restaurant is now permanently closed. Please stay connected with us on Instagram @salylimonmoderntaqueria for any future updates. From all of us at Sal y Limón, Thank you for the memories, the meals, and your loyalty.
We appreciate you! The Sal y Limón Family”

Chubby Baker

Several local businesses chimed in on this Instagram sign off, lamenting the loss of the popular bakery. The three locations of the Chubby Baker closed on November 9th, with owner Ying Nance explaining:

“It is with a heavy heart that we share this news — Chubby Baker will officially close on November 9th. (All 3 locations)

These past years have been filled with love, growth, and countless sweet memories. But with the rising costs of goods, payroll, and so many other expenses, it has become increasingly difficult to sustain the business.

On top of that, as our family continues to grow, I’ve realized how much time and energy this business takes — time I want to spend with my little ones. I am a businesswoman, but I will always be a mom first.

Thank you from the bottom of my heart for every visit, every kind word, and every bit of support along the way. You’ve made this journey so special, and I will forever be grateful for the love you’ve shown Chubby Baker.

Please come visit us before our final day to enjoy your favorite flavors one last time, and come support and show our team some love for the last time.

For these last couple of weeks, we’ll be focusing on donuts and cakes.

Croffles and cinnamon rolls will be available while supplies last.

With all my love,
Ying & The Chubby Baker Family”

The Peppered Vine

Opening at Sandy’s Union Square back in early 2024, The Peppered Vine was the work of Le Cordon Bleu grad Renee Poe; her menu of fresh-cooked meals spanned everything from homemade meatloaf and piri chicken through to English curry and chips, and cottage pie. Poe penned the following goodbye last week, announcing the closure:

“After much thought, tears, and heartbreak, I’m deeply saddened to announce that The Peppered Vine is closing.

This journey was a ginormous effort — fueled by love, purpose, and the hope of creating something beautiful for my community and my children. I’m proud of what was built, and grateful beyond words for those who believed in me.

Together, we proved that beautiful food made with love, care, and real ingredients CAN be done.

But it’s a hard world out there. Expectations are higher than ever, while costs of food, rent, utilities, and labor keep climbing. As a small business owner, I’ve given everything — every ounce of energy, every dollar, every late night — trying to make it work.

I’ve fought the good fight for nearly two years. We stood tall with 4.9 stars on both Google and Yelp — that takes heart, perfection, and persistence. But even the strongest momma eventually runs out of gas. And this momma is tired.

It’s time for me to choose my children first. They’ve sacrificed so much, and now it’s my turn to be there for them — fully. I started this for them, and now I’m closing it for them.

To my customers and friends who’ve shown me love, grace, and compassion — thank you. You’ve been my village, my encouragement, and my reason to keep showing up. Maybe one day, The Peppered Vine will bloom again in another life. 🌿

My last day of business will be Saturday, November 1st. Place your online orders early if you’d like one last delicious sandwich or creation — limited quantities until supplies last.

From the bottom of my heart — thank you for every hug, kind word, and bit of love you’ve shared on this journey.

Eat Well. Live Purposefully. Love More. — Renee

Possible closures

Won Won Kitchen

I’ve been keeping tabs on this Trolley Square-based Chinese eatery for a little while now. Several online posts have posited a possible closure, though there has been nothing official from the business on the matter (at least as far as I can see). In the past week or so, the status of their Google business listing has been updated to “permanently closed”. Additionally, the phone number for the restaurant seemingly redirects to another business now.

I believe this location was a second outing from the owners of Won Won Wok, located in Saratoga Springs. WWK remains open.

Fried Rice Express

In the same vein, I’ve seen nothing formal as such on FRE (358 S 700 E). Online discussion though, mentions a possible closure, and both Yelp and TripAdvisor seem to concur.

Other useful links

• Free newsletter – signup and receive our weekly newsletter for free
• Food talk group – chew the fat with other like-minded Utah foodies over on Facebook.
• Best of SLC 2024 – what you can’t miss in the Beehive right now.

Stuart Melling

Hi, I’m Stuart, nice to meet you!  I’m the founder, writer and wrangler at Gastronomic SLC.  I’m a multiple-award winning journalist and have written in myopic detail about the Salt Lake City  dining scene for the better part of seventeen years.

I’ve worked extensively with multiple local publications from Visit Salt Lake to Salt Lake Magazine, not least helped to consult on national TV.   Pause those credits, yep, that’s me! I’m also a former restaurant critic of more than five years, working for the Salt Lake Tribune.    I’m largely fueled by a critical obsession with rice, alliteration and the use of big words I don’t understand.   What they’re saying about me: “Not inaccurate”, “I thought he was older”, “I don’t share his feelings”.

Want to know more? This is why I am the way I am.