At the end of the day, we are here for young people. To see them. To believe in them. And to give them a space where their voices are not just heard but celebrated.” That is how Larissa Trout, Executive Director of Spy Hop, summed up the heart of an organization that has been quietly and powerfully transforming the lives of Utah’s youth for over twenty-five years. “I don’t know if I’ve ever worked anywhere else that centers young people as intentionally and as fully as this place does.”

"This restaurant is our love letter to the community," Jennifer Hannon said, seated at a table in the lounge at the back of Laziz Kitchen. "We want people to feel safe, welcome, and fed with care."

“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. 

“My parents both immigrated to the U.S. and worked in the fields of design and architecture. My dad was a lighting designer and electrical engineer, while my mom worked in architectural software,” recalls Dustin Matinkah, the visionary behind Dara Modern.

“Tea is about connection - connecting with yourself, with others, and with the world around you,” says Bradley Heller, reflecting on the philosophy that drives his beloved Salt Lake City establishment, Tea Grotto. Originally from a small farm in central Illinois, Bradley’s journey to becoming a tea shop owner was anything but conventional.

“It has been a twenty-six-year revolution of veganism. I have seen it through my eyes in my own business.” Ian Brandt reflected on his journey from operating a food cart to owning one of Salt Lake City’s beloved vegan establishments, Vertical Diner. Ian’s love for culinary gems was nurtured by his parents who favored lesser-known restaurants.

Max Nelson grew up in a tiny town of 100 people in northern Minnesota, where hunting, fishing, and farming were part of daily life. “That’s where my love for food came from,” he recalls. “We were always eating really fresh food.” This early exposure to homegrown ingredients laid the foundation for his future culinary endeavors.

“We have a long history. Fisher Brewing Company was one of the largest pre-Prohibition breweries.” Tim Dwyer’s voice was filled with pride as he shared the story of his business. Tim continued, “One of our partners, Tom Fisher Riemondy, his great-great-grandfather, was the founder and brewer.” The brewery faced challenges, especially after it stopped producing beer in 1967 following its acquisition earlier in the 1960s. Today, Fisher stands as a testament to the enduring spirit of community and craftsmanship. With a history that stretches back to 1884, Fisher Brewing has been revived by Tim and his three partners, Tom, Steve Brown, and Colby Frazier, who have transformed it into a beloved local institution.