“I came here in 2013 as a refugee because I wanted a future for my kids. My country wasn’t safe. The war - everything - made it impossible to stay.” Owning Karim Bakery was never part of Sarah Abduljabbar’s plan, but life has a way of leading people down unexpected paths.

"If you don’t do what you love when you’re twenty-five, you’re never going to do it in your life." These words from Matteo Sogne perfectly encapsulate his journey from Modena, Italy, to Salt Lake City, Utah, where he now shares his passion for food at Matteo Ristorante Italiano.

“We offer good quality cleaning and pressing at a good price. That’s what keeps people coming back.” Dennis Jardine has spent decades building Jardine’s Professional Dry Cleaners into a trusted name in Salt Lake City. Located in the Marmalade district, this dry-cleaning business has been a neighborhood staple since 1988, thriving on customer loyalty and word of mouth rather than traditional advertising.

“I had $500 and an idea.” Ron Green’s journey to founding The Green Ant was not meticulously planned. It unfolded naturally, shaped by his love for vintage furniture and an unexpected turn in his career.

“When you do what you love, it’s no longer a job. This restaurant, this food, it’s my story, my memories, my family. Every dish has a piece of my past in it.”

“We really pride ourselves on doing honest work at a good price. We’re never going to do anything that isn’t right for the customer.” For over two decades, The Quad & Cycle Shop has been a trusted name in Salt Lake City, offering a wide range of motorcycles, ATVs, and accessories while building a loyal customer base.

“I grew up on a commercial orchard in Logan, Utah,” recalls Jennifer Felton, “where my grandpa, a professor of agriculture, instilled in me a love for old-school cooking.” This early immersion in traditional culinary arts, including baking and jam-making, laid the foundation for what would become Atomic Biscuit.

"We wanted to create a space where people could turn their culinary dreams into reality without the financial burden of a full-scale restaurant," Ana Valdemoros shared, reflecting on the origins of Square Kitchen.

“I believe that a cup of coffee can bring us together, creating a sense of community and providing comfort,” Vi Tran shared. Born and raised in Salt Lake City, Vi’s roots in the culinary world run deep. Her family owned a restaurant for two decades, immersing her in the rhythms of the food industry from a young age. “I kind of just grew up in a restaurant and learned some of the ins and outs. I saw how much joy food could bring to people,” she recalled.

“People tell me, ‘Don’t worry about the little things.’ But that’s where it starts. If you don’t pay attention to the little things, then the problems will only get bigger.” If there is anyone who embodies the soul of a true artisan and perfectionist, it is Jean Jacques Grossi - though most know him simply as JJ. Beloved by his customers, respected by his staff, and renowned for his meticulous dedication to quality, JJ has spent his life perfecting the art of French pastry and baking. His journey, however, has been anything but ordinary.

"Our people, we don’t have a background in owning this kind of business. It is still hard to believe we did it,” admits Pinya Issa. G & H African Market is more than a store - it is a dream realized, and a family reunited.

“Everything has to be world-class: the beer, the service, the space.” That simple yet powerful statement from owner Kevin Templin captures the essence of Templin Family Brewing. From the moment one steps through the doors, there is a sense of passion and precision that define everything they do. The warm, welcoming atmosphere, the finely crafted beers, the sense of community - none of it is by accident. It is the result of years of dedication and hard work.

“Our mission is really about being stewards of cider culture and providing education to people that don’t know a lot about cider and the wide variety there is.” Elisabeth Osmeloski, co-owner of Scion Cider Bar in Salt Lake City, has been a pivotal figure in introducing and promoting the cider culture in the region. 

“I feel a sense of responsibility to provide people with the things that are getting harder and harder to find,” Annette Raverino says with a warm smile. “I am really lucky.” Luck may have played a small part in Annette’s journey, but passion, dedication, and an unwavering commitment to tradition have been the true foundations of Mediterranean Market & Deli. Her story stretches back generations, rooted in the northern Italian Alps, a place where her mother was raised and where Annette spent time cooking with family.

"Ramen was born in China, grew up in Japan, and died in America." Hiro Tagai chuckles as he recalls a conversation with his cousin that has stuck with him ever since. But for Hiro and Felipe Oliveira, ramen is very much alive, and they have made it their mission to share its true essence with the world through Koyote, their dream restaurant.

"So, tea is my happy place, admits Ripple Desai, owner of Tandoori Taqueria in the Maven District. Every time you walk into my parents' home, my dad asks, 'Do you want tea?' And tea in our house is a cup of hot Indian chai.

"I think it was actually kind of helpful in a way that we opened in February of 2020, admits Scott Adams, owner of District Coffee Company. He did not have to scale back like so many others at the beginning of COVID, instead Scott and his partner, Cameron Sappa, were able to simply open small. "We only had two employees; we had no real indoor space for seating. We could open with all the guidelines in place, and then just grow as everything was slowly lifted."

“Creating a safe, inclusive space has always been my top priority. I want everyone who walks through our doors to feel they belong here,” shared Alia Mathias, founder of Wicked West Nails.

“We wanted to create a brand that felt approachable,” Britney recalls. Sarah Duke and Britney Beardmore first met in Utah in 2010, drawn together by a shared love for adventure. Sarah, originally from Illinois, and Britney, from Texas, connected over skiing, hiking, and rock climbing before forging a business partnership that would blend their expertise and passions into something extraordinary.

“We’re named after Kings Peak - the tallest mountain in Utah. It’s a fitting name because this journey has been all about reaching new heights.” Garland Ledbetter leans back, reflecting on the growth of Kings Peak Coffee Roasters. From opening their first shop in 2018 to a second location opened at the end of 2024, Kings Peak has become a beloved part of Salt Lake City’s coffee scene.