Salt Lake County Regional Development News
12 Staff Favorite Small Businesses in Salt Lake County
November 27, 2020
The are literally thousands of businesses in Salt Lake County that provide shopping, services, entertainment, retail goods, and more. As residents Shop Small on Nov. 28, the Office of Regional Development staff shares 12 small businesses, in no particular order, that have gained their devotion over the years.
Hatch Family Chocolates
"Hatch's makes the best ice cream in town, not to mention incredible chocolates. The owners and staff are always incredibly helpful and good-spirited. They have been a staple in my life for a long while, but when COVID hit, they became even more integral. Walks and bike rides to Hatch's helped me and my family get through the months of social distancing. While Hatch's is officially a purveyor of fine chocolates, it's also a purveyor of joy." -- Ruedigar Matthes, Economic Development Manager
Location: 376 8th Ave. Salt Lake City
https://www.hatchfamilychocolates.com/
The Nest Boutique
"My wife loves this Boutique that sells women's apparel and shoes, plus pillows, candles & kitchen accessories." -- Ryan Perry, Regional Planning & Transportation Director
Location: 11259 Kestral Rise Road South Jordan
Bjorn's Brew
"Their coffee tastes amazing. Nice and strong and their prices are fantastic, plus they donate to animal shelters and sponsor a different fur baby every month." -- Erika Fihaki, Housing and Community Development Office Coordinator
Location: 2358 Foothill Dr. Salt Lake City; 2165 State St. Salt Lake City
Street Tacos SLC
"There are few places to eat high quality food after 9 or 10 p.m. across Utah. Street Tacos SLC is one of them. They have a late-night drive through with authentic and AMAZING Mexican food that my wife and I love -- burritos, tamales, and tacos. They are new to Downtown Salt Lake, and really a wonderful family-run business." -- Vikram Ravi, Housing & Community Development Impact & Implementation Coordinator
Location: 243 W 400 South Salt Lake City
Delice French Bakery & Cafe
"Fantastic eye catching bakery items, desserts. sandwiches/panini's and breakfast." -- Mike Gallegos, Housing and Community Development Director
Location: 2747 S. State St. Salt Lake City
https://www.delicebakeryslc.com/
Central Book Exchange
"Amazing little bookstore in Sugar House that I love going to! It has a charming, cozy atmosphere, they have a good selection of different genres, and the prices are reasonable. Even if you're not looking for a specific book, it's fun to just browse for 15 to 20 minutes and find hidden gems that you weren't initially looking for. Their customer service is also some of the best I've seen. I had an experience where they went out of their way to help me find a certain book that they had in their database, but that I could not find on the shelves. I don't think many stores these days would be helpful at that level, and it really impressed me." -- Todd Andersen, Municipal Economic Development Coordinator
Location: 2017 1100 East Salt Lake City
https://www.central-bookexchange.com/
Santo Tacos
"Umm, tacos! Doesn't hurt that the family that runs it is lovely and customer service is top-notch." -- Emily Burch, Regional Development Coordinator
Location: 910 900 W Salt Lake City
China Chefs
"It's family owned and great food!" -- Ryan Perry, Director of Regional Planning & Transportation
Location: 12487 Pasture Road Riverton
https://www.chinachefsriverton.com/
The King's English Bookshop
"Books are essential to my quality of life, and bookshops are essential to a vibrant city and community. Ever since the Waking Owl bookshop went out of business when I was a child, the King's English has filled a need for me. As a place to buy gifts, take part in children's story time, or just browse the shelves for new reading recommendations, The King's English has meant so much to me. The staff are thoughtful and kind. They are a local gem." -- Ruedigar Matthes, Economic Development Manager
Location: 1511 S. 1500 East Salt Lake City
Murray Car Care Center
"I've had great experiences and have come back many times. Kelvin is a very nice and straightforward mechanic. When I needed to replace the AC unit in my older car (that turned out to be a rare unit that was only used one year in production), Kelvin spent a lot of time calling around trying to find a replacement system for me, and I appreciated it. The manager, Ming, is a really nice guy as well. They also get you in and out in a decent amount of time, so you're not bored sitting in a mechanic shop all day. Quality mechanic shops like this don't come around too often!" -- Todd Andersen, Municipal Economic Development Coordinator
Location: 5815 State St. Murray
https://www.facebook.com/murraycarcarecenter/
The Store
"I love that there's a central location where I can find multiple locally-made products, from salsa and pie to cheese, coffee, and chocolates. They're the ultimate supporters of local small business." -- Jordan Carroll, Regional Development Communications Manager
Locations: 2050 E. 6200 South Holladay; 90 S. Rio Grande Salt Lake City
Rewhipped
"The macarons are a must! Also sells cookies and other desserts." -- Ryan Perry, Director of Regional Planning & Transportation
Location: 13292 S 5600 West Herriman
'Tis the season and Salt Lake County is asking residents who've experienced lesser impacts from COVID-19 to support local, small businesses in greater amounts during their shopping for the 2020 holidays.
There are a number of markets and digital events to allow for safe shopping that means a great deal to fellow neighbors.
LocalFirst's Shop Small Digital Crawl
When: Saturday, Nov. 28
Where: localfirst.org
LocalFirst Utah is an independent organization that promotes locally-owned businesses. Rather than holding an in-person "crawl" from business to business, this year the organization is hosting a digital crawl where residents can easily hop from one local business's website to another's.
This will be a great opportunity to score some locally-made gifts and services for the holidays from business owners grouped in various geographical shopping districts.
American Express Shop Small Map - Salt Lake County
If you're searching for small businesses across all corners of Salt Lake County, American Express has made it easier for you to do so.
From restaurants to retail and entertainment to services, residents can search the map according to location or zipcode to identify many "Shop Small" options near you.
Shop in Utah Offers
Visit dozens of companies from all across Utah that have been hit hard by COVID-19 and are providing discounts or offers through this state grant program. A list of businesses and offers can be found here.
Want to support local businesses taking extra precautions due to COVID-19 for customer and employee safety? There's a directory of businesses that have taken the "Stay Safe to Stay Open" pledge.
Holiday Pop Up Market at Trolley Square
When: Dates between Nov. 27-Dec. 20, 2020
Nov. 27-29; Dec. 4-6, 11-14, 18-20
Where: 700 East entrance of Trolley Square, 602 E. 500 South, Salt Lake City
This local market features local artisans. Find more details on the event's Facebook page.
Downtown Winter Farmers Market
When: Started Nov. 14, continues through Spring, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Where: The Gateway
This market focuses on local produce, meats, cheeses, baked goods, sauces, chocolates, and more. For more information, visit the Winter Market at the Gateway.
An adjacent Holiday Art & Craft Market will also take place across from the Winter Market on Saturdays, from Nov. 14-Dec. 19.
Downtown Dollars
Residents can get more bang for their buck shopping at downtown restaurants and retail shops when they buy a digital gift card for themselves or others for $50 or $75. Those that purchase $50 will receive an extra $10, and for $75 or more, purchasers will get $25 bonus bucks.
Learn more through the FAQ by Downtown Alliance. Purchase gift cards now through this link.
Craft Lake City's Online Holiday Market Artisans
When: Nov. 1-Nov. 30
Where: Online
Find Utah-based artisans partnering with Craft Lake City, and view exhibitor websites and social media pages where you can purchase gifts.
Battlecreek Boutique
When: 9 a.m.- 7 p.m. Dec. 3-5
Where: Schmidt's Farm and Greenhouse, 9120 S. Redwood Road West Jordan
The local market will feature 70 vendors and asks that visitors observe mask and social distancing measures. For more information, visit its Facebook event page.
Garten Gatherers Holiday Market
When: Noon-3 p.m. Nov. 28
Where: Mountain West Hard Cider, 425 N. 400 West Salt Lake city
Sip, shop, and support local in one trip where a smaller number of local vendors will share their wares at Mountain West Hard Cider. For event details, visit the Facebook event.
Utah's Own
Utah's Own is a state program promoting local producers and has various lists, from artisans and gift ideas for the holidays, to Shop in Utah offers from Utah's Own members. To find Utah producers, artists, baked goods, meats, beverages, and more, visit their website.
Shop Local Programs
Cottonwood Heights: https://www.cottonwoodheights.utah.gov/doing-business/shop-safe-shop-local
Downtown Salt Lake: https://www.downtownslc.org/dollars
Daybreak: https://www.daybreakutah.com/whats-happening/shopping-dining/shop-local/
Millcreek: https://millcreek.us/291/Millcreek-Business-Council
Sandy: https://www.sandy.utah.gov/1578/Shop-Sandy
November Shopping Tour of Sugar House: Nov. 25-30, visit the event page.
Taylorsville: https://www.taylorsvilleut.gov/Home/Components/Calendar/Event/1975/
Did we miss you? Send an email to jcarroll@slco.org to be added to the list of markets and programs available to Salt Lake County residents this holiday season.
Safe, Lead-Free Homes More Important for Salt Lake County Residents in 2020 Than Ever Before
October 29, 2020
Salt Lake County Lead Safe Home Program Testimonial
During National Lead Poisoning Prevention Week, Salt Lake County Urges Homeowners, Renters, and Landlords to Apply for Free Services from Lead Safe Housing Program
In 2020, homes have adapted to beyond simply where you lay your head at night or where you cook meals. Salt Lake County residents have learned to telecommute, complete schooling, tune into streamed exercise classes, play, and quarantine all within their homes – making safe homes more crucial than ever before.
At least 30,000 homes and apartments across Salt Lake County still have lead-based paint. For children, exposure to lead-based paint – through inhaling lead dust or ingesting paint chips – is known to cause damage to the brain and nervous system, slow growth and learning, and cause behavioral problems. In pregnancy, lead poisoning has been associated with gestational hypertension, spontaneous abortion, low birth weight, and impaired neurodevelopment. In adults, lead poisoning can manifest in high blood pressure, heart disease, kidney disease, and reduced fertility.
During National Lead Poisoning Prevention Week, Oct. 25-31, Salt Lake County urges homeowners, landlords, and renters to take advantage of the Lead Safe Housing Program’s free services to make their homes safer.
There is no cure for lead poisoning, but fortunately, lead poisoning is 100% preventable. In 2019, Salt Lake County provided remediation for 80 homes, and has continued efforts in 2020, despite COVID-19, to help nearly 50 more homes. With a grant and partnership with U.S. Housing and Urban Development (HUD), more than 1,400 homes in Salt Lake County have become lead safe.
Residents can qualify for free services if they meet the following conditions:
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The property they live at was built prior to 1978
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A member of the household is pregnant or there are kids under the age of six living at or visiting the property
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Household income is at or below qualifying level
“Lead exposure and poisoning are preventable, and you can take actions to protect your children and prevent them from coming into contact with lead before they are harmed. Have your home tested. Have your children tested,” Ayda Posso, Salt Lake County Lead Safe Housing Program Coordinator, said.
Residents can find out their eligibility by visiting https://slco.org/lead-safe-housing and completing a pre-application. For questions about the Lead Safe Housing Program, Salt Lake County residents can call Carol Dyskman, (801) 468-4892, or for questions in Spanish, call Ayda Posso, (385) 315-0049.