Zao Asian Grill
Zao Asian Grill, a fast-casual Asian-inspired concept with 23 existing locations in the Mountain West, has received a strategic investment from Savory Fund. The brand has secured a $12.5 million debt facility with Columbia Bank to accelerate new location development, with 10+ new locations projected through 2027. Expansion is planned nationwide.
Knoops
Knoops, an international chocolate-focused cafe chain, is opening its first U.S. location in Salt Lake City’s 9th and 9th neighborhood. The cafe specializes in gourmet hot chocolate and other chocolate-based drinks. Opening weekend is Aug. 21-22, 6pm-midnight, with free small drinks. Taking over the former Spilt Milk storefront next to Vessel Kitchen.
Freddy’s Frozen Custard & Steakburgers
Freddy’s Frozen Custard & Steakburgers is opening a new location at Utah Tech University’s Gardner Student Center in St. George, Utah in August 2026. This is part of a broader expansion adding 60 new locations by end of 2026, with 10 stores opening in August.
Konala
Konala healthy drive-thru franchise has signed five new leases across Utah and Idaho. Locations include: 777 W. Main St. Suite 120 Boise ID; 4179 Riverdale Rd. Riverdale UT; Raymond Shopping Center Logan UT; 1815 W 2700 N Farr West UT; and The Shops at Sky View in Lehi UT. Additionally, an upcoming opening in Belleville […]
In-N-Out Burger
In-N-Out Burger is opening a new location in St. George, UT at 4643 South Pioneer Road. This will be the state’s southernmost location. A second new location is also planned at 1965 Blue Lakes Blvd North in Twin Falls, ID, which will be the first In-N-Out outside the Boise Metro Area in Idaho. No official […]
Dakine Grindz
Dakine Grindz, specializing in Hawaiian and Filipino cuisine, is coming soon to Layton, UT. They recently closed their Ogden location but still operate their Main Street, Sunset location. No specific opening date mentioned.
Juice It Up!
Juice It Up! is entering Utah for the first time via a multi-unit development deal with franchisees Aaron and Nancy Osmond. The first planned location will be in Herriman at Copper View Plaza, with additional locations expected throughout the state. No specific opening date mentioned. Aaron Osmond is a former Utah State Senator; Nancy Osmond […]
Magnolia Bakery
Magnolia Bakery is one of several new tenants joining Foothill Village, a 260,000-square-foot retail center in Salt Lake City’s East Bench neighborhood, later this year. Zao Asian Café and MD Hyperbaric are also listed as upcoming tenants. The center is anchored by Dan’s Fresh Market and underwent a $25M redevelopment by Asana Partners.
Chicken Salad Chick
First Chicken Salad Chick location in Utah, located in Valley Grove at 2093 W. Pleasant Grove Blvd. Grand opening June 9, 2026 with free chicken salad for a year to first 100 guests. Owned by father-son team Michael and Rylan Mills (MV&R Legacy Partners LLC). Group plans to develop 6 restaurants in Utah County and […]
Culinary Dropout
Culinary Dropout received approval for a full-service restaurant liquor license (beer, wine, liquor) in Salt Lake City at the May 2026 DABS meeting. License approval suggests a future opening is planned. Other approved licenses in the same meeting include Tannin Bar and The Colony Club in Park City, The Crooked Cue Sports Bar and Grill […]