Downtown SLC's local businesses are an integral part of our local economy as they add vibrancy and walkability to our downtown streets. As businesses continue to open their doors amidst the COVID-19 pandemic, the health and safety of customers and staff remain top-of-mind. We asked several businesses how they're faring and what they are doing to adapt to the current situation.
We encourage you to support our local businesses during this time - be sure to check out our restaurant dining guide that features take-out, delivery and dine-in options.
How was your business impacted by COVID-19?
Salt Lake Power Yoga: We closed our business effective March 16. We went from offering 65+ Live classes a week to offering less than 20 classes on the virtual platform. We opened again with one live class per day on May 18, and are continuing to host the virtual classes.
Caputos Market & Deli: It is a challenge to describe the innumerable ways our company has been impacted by COVID-19. Entire revenue channels vanished, as our restaurant wholesale customers shut their doors, our dining rooms closed, and our popular tasting classes disappeared. Almost a hundred employees' livelihoods weighed heavily on our shoulders, while we were faced with a fraction of the ability needed to provide for them. Sales in our markets (which remained open for shopping) plummeted. So many sleepless nights. In spite of these incredible challenges, the global pandemic also presented opportunities - for example, our online grocery business skyrocketed. The strength and adaptability of our crew became widely apparent as chefs became delivery drivers and cheesemongers became packers for online orders. The 4-per week average tasting classes that disappeared soon were resurrected with online Zoom classes, now reaching people from coast to coast. To put it simply, it's been heartbreaking, indescribably stressful, but full of silver linings.
What changes have you made to adapt to the situation over the past couple of months?
Boltcutter/Monkeywrench: The biggest change that we have made to adapt to the current situation was to design and install large panels on the storefronts of Boltcutter and Monkeywrench so that we can take orders and deliver food to our guests without having them inside of our space. We also built out online ordering platforms for Buds, Boltcutter and Monkeywrench which is not something we had available to our guests prior to COVID-19. Learning how these systems function and how to utilize them to best serve our guests has been a new challenge.
The Bourbon Group: The Bourbon Group has taken a safety/sanitation first approach. We are following all state guidelines and have taken extra steps as a company to minimize risk to our staff and guests. We ask each guest to sanitize before entering and provide them with a mask to wear while communicating with our staff. We professionally sanitize each establishment 3 times a week as well as having staff sanitize every surface every 30 min each day. We have also started to take reservations in order to be able to control our door and eliminate people having to wait for tables.
How have you adapted your operations to ensure the health and safety of your customers and employees?
Boltcutter/Monkeywrench: All of our employees work in masks, we have increased our sanitation protocols and we are not allowing any dine-in customers. We made and installed pickup windows at Boltcutter and Monkeywrench to reduce air exchange between the staff and customers and allow for contactless customer experience. We are now a cashless operation too.
Salt Lake Power Yoga: Everything was revamped. We remained closed longer than required because we didn’t feel like it was appropriate to open without thoroughly reviewing every aspect of our business, with the safety of our staff and students always at the forefront. Required masks, signage, communication, social distancing, traffic patterns inside the studio, cleaning and disinfecting protocols, and limiting the capacity to a maximum of 18 students in the practice space (normally our capacity is 65 ppl) are examples of some of the pivots we have made with COVID. We have been in constant communication with the Salt Lake Health Department to ensure that we are doing everything in our power to provide a safe space for people to practice yoga.
How do you see your business continuing to develop into the future?
Caputos Market & Deli: Many of the things we put in place to survive during the pandemic will allow us to thrive long after it is over. For example, online ordering for local delivery of sandwiches executed by our own drivers rather than 3rd party delivery app will remain. Shipping of groceries via USPS and FedEx has been even more popular than local delivery. Customers can order online in all 50 states and expect free and fast shipping and the same incredible customer service they get in our physical stores. Our online sales are now larger than in-store and growing quickly! We have also moved our classes online, and while many others have also done this, ours include samples of the food shipped to your door and a truly engaging and educational experience. The response has been so incredible that we envision using Zoom to change the way specialty food is sold online. For example, why have a personal shopper, when you can talk with a cheesemonger? We are developing a virtual work station at Caputo's cheese counter where our mongers can guide online customers to delicious products that fit their preferences and needs. Just like the experience, they would get when standing at the cheese counter in Salt Lake City, but then shipped to their door anywhere in the USA!
The Bourbon Group: We have always had a high standard for sanitation and safety. We will continue to adapt, improve and implement new and better policies and practices.
Why should people start to come back to your business now they are allowed to do so?
Salt Lake Power Yoga: Now more than ever, people need the practice of yoga. The practice of coming to their mat, staying in the stillness, moving their bodies and connecting with breath, other students and their teacher. We invite everyone to practice with us, whether it is from their own home or in the studio. Local studios like Salt Lake Power Yoga will make it through this crisis with support from our incredible community. Spending your dollars on our classes or on our retail goods flows directly to the teachers you love and will help keep the light on in the studio many call home. Now more than ever, small local businesses need our support. 100% goes stays local. No franchise, or corporate contracts with this local studio!
Caputos Market & Deli: The same reason they always have - out of love for the good stuff. Many of the foods we treasure most - artisan cheese, salumi, tinned seafood - has been around for hundreds of years, through world wars, natural disasters, and other global pandemics. We are committed to doing our part to ensure these traditions continue, and continually adapting in order to share how special they are. Caputo's is built on connection to our past, our present, our future, and our customers. We hope people will come to our shops (in person and online) to experience the food traditions we strive to preserve.
Special thanks to Boltcutter, Caputos Market & Deli, The Bourbon Group and Salt Lake Power Yoga for participating. Learn more and visit these businesses by clicking the links below:
Ready, Sweat, Go!
Wellness is having a moment, and the fitness world is riding the wave—just look to the rise in athleisure, Instagram “fitfluencers” and boutique fitness studios for proof. From cycling to boxing and yoga to barre, niche workouts and specialized classes held in modern, stylish studios (some with swanky amenities like juice bars and day spas) are trending across the country. These studios offer more than just a way to break a sweat—they dish-out a high energy dose of positivity, motivation and a sense of belonging among their clientele. Ahead, check out four boutique studios in downtown Salt Lake City where you can get your fitness fix and maybe even make a few new friends.
Rebel House
The Workout: Rebel House (320 W. 200 South, rebel-house.com) offers a trifecta of classes: RIDE, a rhythm-based cycling class; RIOT, a beat-based boxing/HIIT class; and REHAB, a beat-based yoga class.
The Backstory: Utah locals and husband and wife duo Devin and Nina Pearson opened Rebel House in August 2017. Prior to Rebel House, the couple owned a trucking company and mobile bar business. Nina also worked for Delta, and amidst their travels, they discovered fitness studios similar to Rebel House, but realized there was nowhere in Salt Lake City to enjoy the same type of workouts. So they decided to create their own.
The Vibe: Classes are held in dark rooms so clients can focus on being present and their own personal practice without distractions. “Rebel House is a place for all skill levels,” says Nina. “You will never hear us talk about weight because we want people to focus on what growth looks like to them. Our clientele is friendly, optimistic and treats everyone with respect.”
Peak45
The Workout: Peak45 (250 Broadway, peak-45.com) offers high-intensity, low-impact Pilates. “Think of Pilates mixed with cardio, upbeat music and fast-paced transitions that is safe on your joints,” says Kristen Kenney, a co-owner and instructor.
The Backstory: Kenney has been around sports her entire life—she played D1 soccer at the University of Miami and currently works as the team sideline reporter for the Utah Jazz. She moved to Salt Lake from Los Angeles, land of the tanned and toned, and home of the Megaformer and Lagree fitness method. “The method didn’t exist in Salt Lake and I desperately missed it,” says Kenney, who partnered with Salt Lake Power Yoga to open Peak45 in the fall of 2017.
The Vibe: Students workout on Megaformer machines in small class settings, which allow instructors to be hands-on and helpful. “We cater to people of all fitness levels,” says Kenney. “There are modifications and options for everyone.”
Salt Lake Power Yoga
The Workout: Salt Lake Power Yoga (250 E. Broadway, saltlakepoweryoga.com) offers heated power yoga, yoga sculpt, restorative yoga, kid’s yoga and meditation.
The Backstory: Greg Galloway, Jen Reuben and Marc Weinreich opened Salt Lake Power Yoga in the fall of 2012. “Each of us come from a different background, but the one thing that ties us together is the power of our style of yoga practice and the community that has developed over the years,” says Galloway.
The Vibe: Classes are held in a variety of studios, including a large sun-filled space with panoramic views of the Wasatch Mountains. “From athletes to professionals and students to mothers, our community is a collective of like-minded individuals who seek a mind-body connection,” says Galloway. “For some, this community is a family since many are transplants to Salt Lake City.”
Torrent Cycle
The Workout: Torrent Cycle (252 Broadway, torrentcycle.com) is a rhythm-based indoor cycling studio. “Clients can expect a 45-minute, full-body workout with high-intensity intervals, upper body strength training and lots of dancing on a bike!” says co-founder Dan Cooney.
The Backstory: Cooney and Mike Barney opened Torrent Cycle in December 2018. Barney previously worked in New York City in the hedge fund industry, while Cooney was the director of product development for a clothing retailer. They met in 2013 and discovered their mutual passion for fitness while living in the city—both are NASM Certified Personal Trainers. They were inspired by the close-knit fitness communities in big cities and wanted to bring the same type of fitness experience to Salt Lake.
The Vibe: Torrent Cycle is a true boutique fitness studio with professionally trained instructors and full-service amenities including showers, towel service and Malin + Goetz bath products. “Top-tier amenities and facilities make the whole experience fun and luxurious,” says Cooney. “Many of our clients look forward to getting ready in our locker rooms after class.”
Word on the Street - New Beginnings Around Town
2018 saw plenty of new retail businesses popping up downtown, and 2019 is shaping up to be no different. While there wasn’t a lot of action in the first month of the year, we’ll start to see a lot of openings as we come closer to the summer season. Keep an eye out for a followup on some of the upcoming businesses we’ve shared in the past, as well as announcements of even more!
Recently Opened
George + Bar George | 327 West 200 South
A staple in the downtown dining scene for close to five years, Finca shut its doors at the end of November. Never fear, because it was immediately replaced by two new sister concepts, a restaurant and bar with a shared name. George and Bar George still offer some of your favorite small plates from the old Finca, but have refreshed the menu with some new, simpler comfort food options.
Sicilia Mia | 10 East Broadway
The long-awaited addition to the Sicilia Mia family of restaurants opened downtown just in time for the holidays. The quaint eatery serves up a menu of traditional Sicilian recipes passed down for generations. While the whole menu is tantalizing, perhaps the biggest draw to the restaurant is carbonara finished tableside in a giant, flaming wheel of Parmigiano-Reggiano. Of course, you’ll definitely want to finish off your meal with some house-made tiramisu!
Torrent Cycle | 252 East Broadway
The boutique cycling studio opened at the start of December, making it a perfect way to keep up with New Year’s resolutions. In case you need some motivation to keep up with your fitness, the chic workout space offers classes starting at 6:00 am during the week, perfect to get in and out before work. Check out their schedule online and find a class that works for you!
Opening Soon
Chedda Burger | At The Gateway
The popular burger chain is moving its first location on 600 South, finding a new home at The Gateway. Chedda Burger is known for its clever burger creations utilizing quality ingredients as well as its infamous chedda tots. You can also finish (or start) your meal off with a variety of tasty shakes.
CommonGrounds Workplace | 132 South State Street
Coworking spaces are sweeping the nation, and they are finding a home in Salt Lake City as well. Based in San Diego, CommonGrounds is getting ready to open on State Street just south of City Creek Center. You can work with them to customize your workspace, with plenty of opportunity to scale as your business grows.
Honest Eatery | On Regent Street
You can already find Honest during Jazz games at Vivint SmartHome Arena, but you’ll soon be able to get it more often at its first storefront on Regent Street. Set to open at the end of February, the eatery will offer a variety of healthy food options. Açaí bowls and toasts will headline the menu, with other featured items including Brazilian cheese bread and chia pudding.
Steyk Center | 207 East Broadway
The team behind the Tavernacle Social Club recently acquired the space next door vacated by Now & Again. True to the Tavernacle theme, the name is a play off a Latter-Day Saint stake center as the fare is said to be a mix of “Mormon favorites” and pub classics. We’ll see how this one develops leading up to their anticipated St. Patrick’s Day opening.
The Store | At The Gateway
With an ever-growing residential population, downtown will welcome another local grocer with open arms. The west side will soon be served by The Store, a grocery store well-known for its quality selection, including a number of local brands. The location, expected to open in the spring, will feature a bakery and expanded deli with ample seating space.
Do you know of a new business I missed? Got a tip of one getting ready to open? Let me know at !
Word on the Street - Fall Findings
Opening Soon
Torrent Cycle | 15 East 400 South | Currently waiting for their permanent space to be completed, Torrent Cycle is temporarily located at 15 East 400 South.
Mini Moustachery | 50 South Main | Check out one of City Creek’s newest shops, step inside and enjoy the old school experience of a classic Moustachery.
The Daily | 222 South Main | The Daily is a fast casual cafe focusing on seasonal food, house baked goods and pastries, and quality coffee from Stumptown Coffee Roasters.
Sicilia Mia | 8 East Broadway | According to Salt Lake Magazine, “This is the Italian restaurant Salt Lake has been waiting for!” The downtown location will be opening late October/ early November.
Recently Opened
Alibi Bar & Place | 369 South Main Street | Enjoy craft cocktails in an intimate setting. Alibi Bar & Place is a great new addition to one of downtown’s densest nightlife hubs.
Button Down Bar & Club | 122 West Pierpont Ave. | Taking the place of Lumpy’s Sports Grill, get your ‘butt on down’ to check out this sports bar meets night club!
Campos Coffee | 228 South Edison Street | Offering an assortment of in-house brewed coffee and espresso, lunch and a beautiful interior, Campos Coffee has quickly become a local hot spot on Edison Street.
Core Life Eatery | 50 South Main Street | Featuring green bowls, grain bowls, broth bowls, and made-from-scratch beverages. These hearty salads leave you energized and full, perfect for those eating vegan, vegetarian, gluten-free, and more.
Este Deli | 238 S Main | Eleven years ago Dave Heiblim brought New York Style Pizza to Salt Lake. Since its inception, Este Pizza has opened three locations (Sugarhouse, Downtown & Park City) and has won the Salt Lake City Weekly’s readers poll for “Best Pizza” numerous times. Locals and East Coast transplants alike can testify to the authenticity of Este’s offerings. Now Este is bringing “Deli” to Utah, and offering an array of classic sandwiches from the East Coast and beyond. Classics hoagies include the Italian, Cheesesteak, Buffalo Chicken and Chicken, Eggplant and Meatball Parmesan.
Itto Sushi | 12 West 300 South | With roots in Midvale and Orem, this Japanese Grill and Sushi Bar recently opened another location right in the heart of Downtown.
Post Office Place | 16 West Market Street | Three years in the making, this upscale bar is what Salt Lake City deserves. Stop by for a drink before dinner at Takashi next door, or stay for a full meal with a small plates menu that’s sure to impress.
London Belle | 319 South Main Street | From those that brought you downtown hits like Pleiku and SoCo, London Belle is anticipated to open in the spring. Named after one of Utah’s most high profile madames, it is located near the historic Boston and Newhouse Buildings. Taking the place of SoCo, this upscale bar will feature a diverse menu with unique offerings and craft cocktails. #redlightslc
LaBarba Coffee | The Gateway | They make one of the best cups of coffee in Utah—and maybe the West. And now, they are moving their downtown location to The Gateway. LaBarba Coffee has announced its newest location in the heart of downtown’s up-and- coming sports and entertainment district..
Ramen 930 Downtown | 12 West 300 South | From those that brought you Cupbop, Ramen 930 offers hearty bowls of ramen in addition to Japanese comfort classics.