“This was always the goal, owning our own place,” said Andrew Fuller. “I just had to be patient enough to wait for the right moment.” For Andrew Fuller and his wife, Angelena, that moment arrived in February 2019 with the opening of Oquirrh, a refined yet welcoming American restaurant nestled in downtown Salt Lake City. At once personal and quietly romantic, Oquirrh reflects their shared story: a love for good food, deep respect for craft, and an unshakable partnership that spans both life and work.

"For us, coffee is an important daily practice, it is our holy water. Honestly, it is a religion to us."  Erin Butler and Nick Price wanted a name that made people laugh but also made them curious. The name ‘Holy Water’ just kind of stuck. That irreverent charm runs through everything at Holy Water, the coffee shop co-founded by the two in June 2023. The name hints at something sacred, but also playful - exactly the kind of balance they set out to strike.

In every bite, I want people to feel the love and care, and to feel closer to Argentina.” That has always been Ana Valdemoros’s hope with Argentina’s Best Empanadas. Born in Córdoba and raised in Tierra del Fuego, Argentina, Ana came to Salt Lake City in 2000 to study city planning at the University of Utah. At the time, there were few options for traditional Argentine food.

“Cats can bring joy to people of all ages and can help them to get through emotional times. Sometimes a customer asks me, ‘What is your favorite cat?’ I say, I love every one of them. They are all different, and I want to share them with others.” That is how Lisa Chen, who moved to Utah from China in 2007, describes the inspiration behind MiaoMiao Café, a charming cat-themed space that merges handmade desserts, specialty drinks, and, of course, a family of cats she considers her children.

“There is a difference between eating and dining,” said Marco Stevanoni. “Dining is an art that is being lost, but it is an experience that brings people together.” This philosophy is at the heart of VENETO, the Italian restaurant he and his wife, Amy, opened in 2016 in Salt Lake City. Born out of a desire to create the kind of culinary journey they longed for but could not find locally, VENETO is more than just a restaurant; it is a deeply personal expression of their shared passions, backgrounds, and values.

“My family has been in the business since 1959 when my grandfather opened his first restaurant.” Today, Matt Crandall is the head chef and partner of three of Salt Lake City's most celebrated restaurants - Whiskey Street, White Horse Spirits & Kitchen, and Franklin Avenue Cocktails & Kitchen - all of which he created and runs alongside his longtime friend and business partner, Jason LeCates.

“Books are the repositories of human hopes and dreams and learning," proclaimed Tony Weller, owner of Weller Book Works. Walking into this shop is like stepping into a world of literary discovery. With its vast collection of new, used, and rare books, the store is an oasis for book lovers, a place where stories of the past and present converge. But behind the shelves lined with countless volumes, the story of Weller Book Works is itself an epic one, spanning multiple generations.

“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.

“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.

“I’ve always believed that taste has the power to transport us back to special times in our lives. When I lived in Taiwan and Hong Kong, I became deeply attached to the food, especially dumplings, and that craving stayed with me.”

“We want every woman who walks through our doors to feel like an absolute queen,” Marley McKenna says with a warm smile. Her voice is as confident as her vision for Revive Boutique, a place that has redefined the shopping experience in Salt Lake City. From its beginnings in 2020 during the height of the pandemic to its relocation in the vibrant Central 9th district in May 2024, Marley’s passion for accessible, high-quality fashion has made Revive a standout destination for locals and tourists alike.

“I’m a preservationist of history. Every piece here has a story.” Capital City Antique Mall, a cornerstone of Salt Lake’s antique scene since its opening during the summer of 1999, is more than just a store to Ralene Barton; it is a living museum. Ralene, the shop’s third owner, has been part of the store’s journey since she became a dealer in 2011.

"My entire family is all about food. It's what our family revolves around." Manoli Katsanevas, owner of the eponymous Manoli’s as well as the less formal Paréa, was born and raised in the world of food. When he turned eighteen, he knew that he wanted to pursue a career in this field. Today, he has woven his Greek heritage into the culinary fabric of Salt Lake City, creating dining experiences that celebrate family, tradition, and exceptional cuisine.

“I never thought I’d come back to Salt Lake, but life has its twists and turns.” Romina Rasmussen had traveled the world, living in Los Angeles, Washington D.C., Taipei, Hong Kong, Miami, and New York City. In 2003, however, life brought her back to her hometown of Salt Lake City. What began as an unexpected detour turned into the foundation of a long and successful career as one of the city’s most revered pastry chefs.

"My entire family is all about food. It's what our family revolves around." Manoli Katsanevas, owner of the eponymous Manoli’s as well as the less formal Paréa, was born and raised in the world of food. When he turned eighteen, he knew that he wanted to pursue a career in this field. Today, he has woven his Greek heritage into the culinary fabric of Salt Lake City, creating dining experiences that celebrate family, tradition, and exceptional cuisine.

“Kahve means coffee in Turkish,” Elif Ekin said with a warm smile, introducing the heart of her cafe’s name. Born in Adana, a small city in southeastern Turkey, Elif’s story is one of deep cultural roots, migration, and a love for creating community.

“When we opened the shop, I wanted it to feel different, " says Josh Wiitanen, General Manager of Oasis Games. “We want it to be a place where everyone feels at home - whether you're here for Magic cards or your first board game - somewhere where you don't just play; you belong.” Oasis Games is a gathering place that has transformed the experience of gaming into something truly communal. Opened in 2012 by Alex Sittner, an avid Magic: The Gathering player, Oasis Games was born from a vision shared by a small team with decades of passion for games and camaraderie.

“I’ve always felt that art should tell a story,” says Lucia Heffernan, reflecting on her journey as we sat in her Salt Lake City studio. Born in Taiwan and inspired by her mother, a watercolor artist, Lucia’s passion for drawing began at an early age. After her mom passed away when Lucia was only thirteen, her family moved to the United States, settling in upstate New York. Despite the challenges of adapting to a new language and culture, Lucia’s love for art remained a constant in her life.

“We’re babies, you know. It reflects our sort of immaturity,” Koby Elias grins as he, his brother Cyrus, and their friend Eric Valchuis try to explain the origin of the name of their shop, Baby’s Bagels. What started as a bagel experiment in early 2022 has quickly become a beloved spot in Salt Lake City, opening their first storefront in November 2023. The journey, however, was anything but straightforward.

“We noticed there were some high-end shops in town and some budget-friendly ones, but nothing really in between - nothing really woman-owned at the time.” This insight from Danielle Bossert, one of the co-founders of Strawberry Mansion, captures the essence of what she and her sister, Josie, set out to create when they opened their shop in 2022. Set in a vibrant area of Salt Lake, Strawberry Mansion offers a carefully curated collection of furniture, art, pottery, lighting, and books, all echoing the sisters’ deep-rooted passion for design.