“We are very proud of our heritage and very proud of our food and very proud of our culture.” Lucy Cardenas, owner of Red Iguana, says those words thoughtfully, not as a rehearsed sentiment, but as the clearest explanation of what has driven her family for generations. Long before Red Iguana became one of Salt Lake City’s most beloved restaurants, before the pink walls, the legendary moles, the lines out the door, and the national attention, there was simply a Mexican family trying to build a life through food.

“I grew up in a trailer without electricity or water, under a tarp roof. We did not have much, but I had loving parents who worked so hard, and we always sat down for dinner together. That meant everything to me.” Those humble beginnings shaped Andrew Corrao, chef and owner of Forty Three Bakery, a space he has built with equal parts grit and heart.

“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.