Doner And Company brings German cuisine to Central 9th – Gastronomic Salt Lake City

While the streets are awash with gyro (figuratively speaking, the literal would be some sort of mad fever dream of mine), their Teutonic cousin is far less well represented locally. To my mind, there are maybe only one or two other spots in the valley that outright attempt to recreate the German grab and go.

Enter stage right, this newest concept for the blossoming Central 9th neighborhood. Housed right next door to Ramen Ichizu, the restaurant opened barely days ago. Owned and operated by Talita Wiener-Osman and Christin Brodmeyer-Ashton (Austrian and German expats, respectively), the business aims to be your next lieblingsplatz. If you’re German happens to be as weak as mine, that’s a happy place by the way.

Through the door, there’s definitely a happy welcome – a duo of rotating meat spits feature prominently in the open prep kitchen, lamb/beef and chicken respectively, which can be enjoyed via the Im Brot (sandwich style pocket of sorts, pictured top), Dürüm (wrap), Box (döner in a box with fries, or Bowl (döner bowl with brown rice). Falafel or grilled halloumi is also available for non-meat eaters. From there, the menu fans out all across Eastern Europe and the Baltics; there’s spicy Austrian sausage. Wiener schnitzel and Croatian-style cevapi.

I’d expect most to gravitate towards the traditional Im Brot sandwich, which is a sort of cross between a pita and a panini. A thin bread, with a crisped finish, with just a little fluff inside. The chap behind the counter told us Vosen’s is making the bread for the restaurant.

Always Peru

If you live in Sandy and the likes of Arroz Chaufa or Lomo Saltado get you all hot under the collar, there’s a new Peruvian option in town for you. Housed in the former El Gallo Loco space (I think), the restaurant is about a month old and possesses a perfect 5.0 / 5.0 roster of glowing reviews over on Google.

Billy Bob Joe Chuck’s

Now operating out of the Cruz’s Saloon on Highland Drive. Chef Billy Moschella (Betony Traveling Café) is behind this one. The specialty sandwich shop opens Tuesday – Saturday, 11.00 a.m. – 3.00 p.m. A concise menu offers homesick Bostonians a taste of the East Coast – selections include the likes of the Roast Beef “Three-Way”.

Borikén Sol

The latest to join the lineup within the SLC location of Square Kitchen. Borikén Sol is a family-owned Puerto Rican option in the food hall, founded by mother and son, Nydia Peña Rivera and Estevan Reyes Peña. The duo hail from Santurce, PR, and crank out dishes such as carne guisado and mofongitos.

Epic Brewing

Not a new opening per se, but certainly a new update worthy of note. It’s been a month now since Epic Brewing on State has rolled out a whole new back room. Just walk back past the brewing equipment and you’re in for a pleasant surprise. The space includes its own new bar and counter seating, plenty of indoor seats, and a decent sized, shaded East side patio. I’d share a pic, but the space was already plenty populated by patrons when I stopped by.

The burger? The reason we’d headed down was to finally capture a bite from the Cutthroat Burger truck, that had pitched up on site. More on them in a future post, but suffice to say, it’s worth tracking down yourself too.

Fini Pizza

Now open over in Vineyard, I’ve heard some excitable chatter about this one. The Utah County arrival marks a first for the pizza brand; the opening represents the only Fini outside its native Empire State. The menu features both New York and Silian style pieces, with prices starting from $28.

Gossip Kitchen

A second location for this Italian / Japanese combo. The opening over in Cottonwood Heights comes quickly on the heels of the first location, which took over the spot vacated by Laziz in downtown SLC. The menu offers a mix of Japanese and Italian dishes courtesy of the two chefs involved: Mint’s chef Soy and Carmine’s Carmine Delli Bovi.

While the pairing of the two culinary approaches is reminiscent of Central 9th’s Junah, Gossip’s approach doesn’t appear to fuse the two together, instead choosing to offer them as distinct options.

The Happy Chick Gluten Free

Fried chicken tenders with nary a hint of gluten. Indeed, the business writes, “We use dedicated fryers, hormone-free chicken, and fry exclusively in grass-fed beef tallow — no seed oils, no shortcuts. Every bite is 100% gluten-free, dairy-free, corn-free, and soy-free.” The latest location in South Salt Lake is the fifth for the company, joining others in Lehi, Draper, Provo, and Orem.

Knife And Fork Grill

This is the new name for what was once Left Fork Grill (which closed back in April). If some of the posts floating around social media are anything to go by, it looks like former employees of the business have taken over. Indeed, the website has been given a refresh, and itself writes that:

“Efraín Soto didn’t build hype—he built trust. With over 40 years in the restaurant industry, he refined his craft at Café Pierpont, Market Street Grill, Gigi, and The Bayou before leading the kitchen at Left Fork Grill for 17 years.

Mentored by Jeff Masten, Efraín became a key force behind one of Salt Lake City’s most trusted dining staples—known for consistency, discipline, and high standards. Today, Knife & Fork Grill carries that same legacy forward. Same values. Same quality. A new chapter built on a proven foundation.”

Lucky Slice

Bountiful is the latest location for this group that already serves up NYC-style slices in Ogden, Logan, and Clearfield.

Masa Sushi AYCE

Opening in early April, this new spot downtown SLC has been home to a few names over the past few years (Takumi, Cajun Boil, to name two). The latest resident is an all-you-can-eat Japanese concept. There’s not much info out there on this one besides socials. Thankfully, the setup isn’t a buffet spread of wilting sushi rice; ordering is à la carte from tablets, with food made to order. Therein, there’s everything from uramaki to tempura, to noodle dishes.

Naivedhyam Cafe

Open for about a month now in West Jordan, the restaurant specializes in vegetarian South Indian cooking, dishes such as dosa and idli. The pricing is refreshingly keen; multiple options refuse to break $10. Even the various thalis (combo plates of multiple items) are priced around the $13-$15 mark.

Sapori Italian Bakery & Cafe

This popular Ogden baker has made an expansion into Salt Lake County, now serving up their Sicilian specialties over in Millcreek.

Savage Fish Poke

A third location for this Hawaiian-style poke bowl restaurant. The new West Valley opening joins existing outlets in Millcreek and Orem.

Sinaloa Town

Recently arriving in the West Valley, in what I believe was once Las Islitas. Sinaloa-informed seafood dishes are the star of the show, from aguachiles through to whole fried fish.

Taco Culture

Here’s the full release on this new American Fork taco arrival:

. . .

Restaurant operator and founder Alonso Castañeda, known for his role helping grow some of Utah’s most loved restaurant brands during his tenure at Savory Restaurant Fund, is officially launching his new concept: Taco Culture.

After more than two decades in the restaurant industry—scaling brands, building teams, and refining operations—Castañeda is bringing his own vision to life with a concept rooted in authenticity, simplicity, and genuine hospitality.
Located at 456 East State Street in American Fork, Taco Culture is a taqueria built around traditional Mexican street food. The space is intentionally designed to recreate the experience of walking into a taqueria in Mexico—one that’s been doing things the same way for 50 or 60 years. Tacos are served on fresh tortillas with well-seasoned meats, and guests finish them at the salsa bar, just as they would throughout Mexico.

“In the restaurant business, we’re always talking about going back to basics—simplifying, getting back to what really works. That idea stuck with me,” said Castañeda. “What I felt was missing was the true taqueria experience: the kind where the people working there greet you with a smile, hand you your food face to face, and make sure you leave satisfied. That level of hospitality matters just as much as the food. Taco Culture is about bring that back—simple, traditional tacos made the right way, and letting guests make them their own.”

Coming soon

Granary District update

There’s a ton of new stuff coming online over the next year or so in this neighborhood. While not completely culinary focused, here’s a press release that came my way recently – with some idea of what to expect. Hint, 500,000 square feet of new retail and restaurant space…

. . .

Two nationally recognized hospitality concepts are joining the next phase of Salt Lake City’s rapidly transforming Granary District, as The Rustic and Bowl & Barrel announce plans to open at Silo Park in summer 2027. The additions further position the former industrial corridor southwest of downtown as one of the Mountain West’s most ambitious mixed-use redevelopment projects.

Together with recently announced concepts Uchi (late 2026) and Culinary Dropout (summer 2026), the additions reflect the growing role of experiential hospitality and entertainment within mixed-use developments nationwide, as urban districts increasingly prioritize social gathering spaces, destination dining, and immersive recreation to drive neighborhood identity and foot traffic.

The Rustic and Bowl & Barrel will anchor the entertainment and hospitality component of Silo Park, a mixed-use redevelopment currently under construction through a partnership between Blaser Ventures and Lowe Property Group. Silo Park builds upon the same development vision and partnership that helped deliver The Granary neighborhood’s Post District, one of Salt Lake City’s most successful mixed-use developments in recent years.
Located within one of Salt Lake City’s historic industrial and railroad corridors, The Granary District is reimagining the 100-acre neighborhood through a dynamic blend of adaptive reuse, contemporary architecture, residential development, hospitality, dining, entertainment, and public green space. Designed as a walkable, community-centered district, the development has become one of the fastest-growing urban neighborhoods in the Mountain West over the last several years. The neighborhood includes transformative projects such as Post District, Silo Park, Pickle & Hide, Granary Square, and the preservation of cultural anchors like Kilby Court, recognized as the longest-running all-ages music venue in Salt Lake City.

Silo Park represents the next major chapter in The Granary District’s evolution. Centered around a collection of historic grain silos and industrial buildings, the development is slated to include residential housing, retail and restaurant space, workforce and affordable housing, a boutique hotel, and a central urban park surrounding the preserved silos.

The Rustic will bring its signature Texas-born blend of live music, elevated American comfort food, and a premium beverage program — spanning craft cocktails, local beer, and wine — to the heart of the Granary neighborhood. From family-style Jam & Toast brunch and daily happy hour to free live music nights and scalable private event spaces, The Rustic’s indoor/outdoor social spaces are built for every occasion—anchored by a live music stage that has made it a cultural staple in every market it calls home.

Bowl & Barrel reimagines the bowling alley for a modern era, pairing boutique bowling lanes with a chef-driven menu and handcrafted cocktail program. Equally at home for a family outing, an adults’ night out, or a private event, Bowl & Barrel is a go-to destination for groups of all kinds—from kids celebrating birthdays to corporate teams and everything in between.

“The Granary District has become one of the most exciting and authentic neighborhoods in Salt Lake City, and The Rustic and Bowl & Barrel are exactly the type of experiential concepts that continue building on that momentum,” said Brandon Blaser, founder of Blaser Ventures. “Silo Park is designed to celebrate the history and industrial character of the neighborhood while creating vibrant public spaces and experiences that bring people together. These concepts complement the incredible momentum already happening throughout the Granary District and build upon the success we’ve seen at Post District.”

Since opening, Post District has helped redefine downtown living in Salt Lake City through its blend of residential, hospitality, adaptive reuse, and locally celebrated dining concepts, including Urban Hill, which quickly became one of the city’s premier dining destinations.

“We’re incredibly excited to partner with the team behind Silo Park and become part of the momentum happening within The Granary District,” said Kyle Noonan, co-owner of The Rustic and Bowl & Barrel. “The neighborhood has an authenticity, energy, and sense of community that aligns naturally with our brands, and we’re looking forward to introducing these concepts and experiences to the Salt Lake City community.”

Once complete, the broader Granary District vision is expected to include more than 500,000 square feet of new retail and restaurant space, over 6,000 new residential units, 3 boutique hotels, 500,000 plus square feet of office, and more than 5 acres of public parks and green space.

Kimchi Kitchen

Based on this permit and a snoop of the location over on Loopnet, it sounds like this might not be a restaurant operation as such. The filing did pique my interest though noting Aquarious Fish Company as the space owner.

Magnolia Bakery

I believe more than a few folks are excited for this arrival in Utah. The famous bakery import from NYC is slated to open over in the Holladay Hills development on June 1st. 10.00 a.m. by the way if you want to be first in line. Expect a second to follow in Foothill Village next. 

Mountain West

Building Salt Lake had this piece on a second location for Mountain West. BSL cite a permit in the story indicating its set for the Granary Distrist in the Journeyman apartments. 

Paris Baguette

A second location for this South Korean bakery is set for downtown SLC. The filing I saw (but havbe now apparently lost) indicated 175 S Main Street, which I think means the Walker Center ground floor. P.s. don’t trust a Brit with directions.

Pho Mai Mai

If you’re not already following Pho King over on Instagram, you probably should. His obsessions yield excellent insights into the SLC food scene. He managed to snag an early taste of the pho from this imminent WVC arrival, and from first glances, it looks like we might have a contender for best in town. Keep your eyes peeled.

Sicilian Butcher

This story in Utah Business indicates the Savory Fund (Mo Bettah’s, R&R, Swig, etc.) will be bringing their Sicilian concept to UTah, over at the Holladay Hills development. This won’t only be the first Utah location for the brand, but also Utah’s first meatball ferris wheel. YEs, thats a thing here.

Other useful links

Hi, I’m Stuart, nice to meet you!  I’m the founder, writer and wrangler at Gastronomic SLC.  I’m a multiple-award winning journalist and have written in myopic detail about the Salt Lake City  dining scene for the better part of seventeen years.

I’ve worked extensively with multiple local publications from Visit Salt Lake to Salt Lake Magazine, not least helped to consult on national TV.   Pause those credits, yep, that’s me! I’m also a former restaurant critic of more than five years, working for the Salt Lake Tribune.    I’m largely fueled by a critical obsession with rice, alliteration and the use of big words I don’t understand.   What they’re saying about me: “Not inaccurate”, “I thought he was older”, “I don’t share his feelings”.

Want to know more? This is why I am the way I am.