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After 30 years, Salt Lake City Chili's is closing

The 400 South location is a minor downtown icon, hearkening back to the city's pre-Olympic days.

News

A Chili&#x27;s that improbably garnered a cult following in Salt Lake City is closing Sunday after more than 30 years in business.Why it matters: The 400 South location is a minor downtown icon, hearkening back to the city&#x27;s pre-Olympic days, when <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="restaurant chain arrivals were a big deal" data-vars-click-url="https://www.deseret.com/1996/12/27/19285200/chili-s-eateries-in-utah-are-part-of-new-9-state-franchise/" data-vars-content-id="66a2564f-61b8-4f63-8f9d-373da929a99b" data-vars-headline="After 30 years, Salt Lake City Chili&#x27;s is closing" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.deseret.com/1996/12/27/19285200/chili-s-eateries-in-utah-are-part-of-new-9-state-franchise/" target="_blank">restaurant chain arrivals were a big deal</a>.

Utah GOP urges voters to unseat state Supreme Court justices

After a series of rulings Republicans viewed as unfavorable to them, the state party wants voters to reject two judges.

As Republican leaders seek to oust certain state Supreme Court justices in this year&#x27;s midterm elections, the Utah State Bar is encouraging voters to rely on the judges&#x27; <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="independent reviews" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/salt-lake-city/2024/10/28/judge-retention-election-utah-ballot" data-vars-content-id="36a99803-b537-41ea-9f3c-68c0254e9c53" data-vars-headline="Utah GOP urges voters to unseat state Supreme Court justices" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/salt-lake-city/2024/10/28/judge-retention-election-utah-ballot" target="_self">independent reviews</a>.Why it matters: Tensions between the state&#x27;s judiciary and its Republican-controlled executive and legislative branches have <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="reached a high point" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/salt-lake-city/2026/02/04/judicial-utah-state-bar-opooses-reform-state-legislature" data-vars-content-id="36a99803-b537-41ea-9f3c-68c0254e9c53" data-vars-headline="Utah GOP urges voters to unseat state Supreme Court justices" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/salt-lake-city/2026/02/04/judicial-utah-state-bar-opooses-reform-state-legislature" target="_self">reached a high point</a> following a series of rulings Republicans view as unfavorable.

Where to buy Utah native plants

They're not always easy to find for sale, but the birds and bugs will love you for planting them.

It&#x27;s time for Utah&#x27;s spring plant sales, with some of the best chances to bring <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="flora that&#x27;s native" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/salt-lake-city/2023/05/25/xeriscape-planning-tips-utah-lawn-native-plants" data-vars-content-id="2b671da4-047b-4b75-bda9-c8063fdb80b9" data-vars-headline="Where to buy Utah native plants" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/salt-lake-city/2023/05/25/xeriscape-planning-tips-utah-lawn-native-plants" target="_self">flora that&#x27;s native</a> to the state into your backyard.Why it matters: Native plants provide habitat for birds and bugs and generally require less water than traditional landscapes — but <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="they&#x27;re in critically low supply throughout the mountain west" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/salt-lake-city/2023/05/25/xeriscape-native-plant-shortage-drought-utah-colorado-arizona" data-vars-content-id="2b671da4-047b-4b75-bda9-c8063fdb80b9" data-vars-headline="Where to buy Utah native plants" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/salt-lake-city/2023/05/25/xeriscape-native-plant-shortage-drought-utah-colorado-arizona" target="_self">they&#x27;re in critically low supply throughout the mountain west</a>.

After misconduct allegations, López Chávez accused of living outside her City Council district

Property records show she bought the house last year.

A week after Salt Lake City Council member Eva López Chávez was <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="accused of sexual misconduct" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/salt-lake-city/2026/04/24/utah-democrats-congressional-primary-scandals-blouin-lopez-chavez" data-vars-content-id="475dde6f-636c-4156-8119-cd5fad21d04f" data-vars-headline="After misconduct allegations, López Chávez accused of living outside her City Council district" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/salt-lake-city/2026/04/24/utah-democrats-congressional-primary-scandals-blouin-lopez-chavez" target="_self">accused of sexual misconduct</a>, a constituent is calling for an investigation into whether she lives in the district she represents.Why it matters: If López Chávez is living in the home she bought last year, city ordinance requires her to give up her District 4 seat.

Argentina's Cafe serves up savory baked and fried empanadas

While Argentine empanadas are traditionally baked, you can choose to have yours baked or fried.

Argentina&#x27;s Cafe, a South American coffee shop, is now open in Salt Lake City, serving hearty empanadas.The intrigue: While Argentine empanadas are traditionally baked, you can choose to have yours baked or fried.<ul><li>The empanadas are generously sized and priced between $6 and $6.50 each. Order at least two if you&#x27;re looking for a quick, filling meal.</li></ul>

Taco Tuesday: Nico's Restaurant

The housemade horchata is some of the best I've ever had in the city.

Food and Drink

I&#x27;ve lived in Salt Lake City for a while and recently found a west side gem called <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Nico&#x27;s Restaurant" data-vars-click-url="https://nicos-restaurant.square.site/" data-vars-content-id="4e816c12-e61a-445e-b198-587243d08e28" data-vars-headline="Taco Tuesday: Nico&#x27;s Restaurant" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://nicos-restaurant.square.site/" target="_blank">Nico&#x27;s Restaurant</a> that I&#x27;ve driven past dozens of times.<ul><li>Welcome to Taco Tuesday, where we highlight some of Salt Lake&#x27;s best taquerias.</li></ul>State of play: The tiny Mexican restaurant on North Temple features a large menu of staples like burritos, quesadillas and breakfast dishes.

Marmalade District finds new life in Salt Lake City

A wave of new apartment construction is energizing a growing food and nightlife scene in Salt Lake City's Marmalade District.

Salt Lake City&#x27;s Marmalade District is having a moment.Why it matters: A wave of new apartment construction is energizing a growing food and nightlife scene, turning the historic neighborhood into a buzzy destination.

Taylorsville's new mocktail supply shop mixes it up

Pick your poison (or not) with mixes and bitters for drinks across the sobriety spectrum.

A new cocktail supply shop hopes to add some flavor to Salt Lake mixology — with or without the booze.The big picture: A few years into the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="&quot;sober curious&quot; movement" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2022/10/19/axios-finish-line-americans-are-drinking-less" data-vars-content-id="5f56b9ff-262a-4a20-b238-ee6966113064" data-vars-headline="Taylorsville&#x27;s new mocktail supply shop mixes it up" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2022/10/19/axios-finish-line-americans-are-drinking-less" target="_self">&quot;sober curious&quot; movement</a>, mocktails have gone mainstream in bars, restaurants and home kitchens.

When Utah sent a woman to prison for booze during Prohibition

Turned out, Irene Nunley was more of a give-her-an-inch-and-she-takes-a-mile kind of rum runner.

<figure><img alt="An old newspaper headline reads: &quot;WOMAN AGAIN IS TRANSGRESSOR IN THE DOMAIN OF MAN. Conviction of Mrs. Nunley on Liquor Felony Charge First for Daughters of Eve.&quot;" height="1054" id="ca36d012-e8d8-4f91-ac2b-c65839f1db38" src="https://images.axios.com/RwczkteP5h_N6290xkWdc0JTnL0=/2026/04/17/1776460730006.jpg" width="1012"/><figcaption>The Salt Lake Tribune, Feb. 25, 1926. Image via <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Utah Digital Newspapers" data-vars-click-url="https://newspapers.lib.utah.edu/details?id=24422345" data-vars-content-id="3015b1e2-6a43-4c01-877a-91520be6bd91" data-vars-headline="When Utah sent a woman to prison for booze during Prohibition" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://newspapers.lib.utah.edu/details?id=24422345" target="_blank">Utah Digital Newspapers</a>, the University of Utah</figcaption></figure>A century ago this month, Utahns launched a fight to free the state&#x27;s first woman sentenced to prison for breaking Prohibition&#x27;s liquor laws.<ul><li>Turned out, Irene Nunley was more of a give-her-an-inch-and-she-takes-a-mile kind of person.</li></ul>

Salt Lake City restaurants see major price hikes since 2020

We analyzed 12 Salt Lake City staples, comparing menu prices from 2020 to today.

The prices of some of Salt Lake City&#x27;s most popular menu items have jumped more than 50% since 2020, according to an Axios analysis.Why it matters: The cost of living, from food to <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="housing" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/salt-lake-city/2026/01/22/affordable-homes-salt-lake-utah" data-vars-content-id="9013979d-da4f-4bfa-a5e7-924276337635" data-vars-headline="Salt Lake City restaurants see major price hikes since 2020" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/salt-lake-city/2026/01/22/affordable-homes-salt-lake-utah" target="_self">housing</a>, is skyrocketing, and wages aren&#x27;t keeping pace.

At Utah restaurants, tips still lag

Most states tip more generously — but Utah beats the national average at full-service restaurants.

Pricey meals aren&#x27;t helping Utah&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="long-standing" data-vars-click-url="https://archive.sltrib.com/article.php?id=58310445&amp;itype=cmsid" data-vars-content-id="f3e0e33e-4808-4439-ac54-ec8eaf46c6c7" data-vars-headline="At Utah restaurants, tips still lag" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://archive.sltrib.com/article.php?id=58310445&amp;itype=cmsid" target="_blank">long-standing</a> <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="reputation" data-vars-click-url="https://www.fox13now.com/2016/01/22/utah-ranks-among-worst-tippers-in-national-study" data-vars-content-id="f3e0e33e-4808-4439-ac54-ec8eaf46c6c7" data-vars-headline="At Utah restaurants, tips still lag" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.fox13now.com/2016/01/22/utah-ranks-among-worst-tippers-in-national-study" target="_blank">reputation</a> for low tips, according to new data from Toast.By the numbers: Utahns tipped 18.8% on average in Q4 2025, per Toast&#x27;s latest <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="restaurant trends report" data-vars-click-url="https://pos.toasttab.com/blog/data/toast-restaurant-trends-report-coffee-prices-2026" data-vars-content-id="f3e0e33e-4808-4439-ac54-ec8eaf46c6c7" data-vars-headline="At Utah restaurants, tips still lag" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://pos.toasttab.com/blog/data/toast-restaurant-trends-report-coffee-prices-2026" target="_blank">restaurant trends report</a>.

Salt & Straw is bringing Utah's first location to Trolley Square

The Oregon-based ice cream chain is setting up shop in Trolley Square.

Cult-favorite <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Salt &amp; Straw" data-vars-click-url="https://saltandstraw.com/" data-vars-content-id="7d8f731d-3b11-486a-a93f-4927d5d62a5b" data-vars-headline="Salt &amp; Straw is bringing Utah&#x27;s first location to Trolley Square" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://saltandstraw.com/" target="_blank">Salt &amp; Straw</a> is finally opening Utah&#x27;s first location at Trolley Square, satisfying Salt Lake City&#x27;s sweet tooth.State of play: The Oregon-based ice cream shop is known for its monthly rotating flavors and artisan ice cream that range from chocolate malted potato chip cupcake to Arbequina olive oil. (My fave is chocolate gooey brownie).

Salt Lake City chefs named James Beard finalists

Eight Utah chefs and restaurants were named semifinalists in January, but only two Salt Lake City chefs made it to the next round.

Two Salt Lake City chefs were named Utah&#x27;s only <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="finalists" data-vars-click-url="https://cdn.sanity.io/files/2t27tguw/production/53d711ce233eef6c35b584fe60977dfdd1962282.pdf" data-vars-content-id="c1197452-e2a0-42ec-b1c0-d8c36fc395ff" data-vars-headline="Salt Lake City chefs named James Beard finalists" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://cdn.sanity.io/files/2t27tguw/production/53d711ce233eef6c35b584fe60977dfdd1962282.pdf" target="_blank">finalists</a> for the 2026 James Beard Awards.State of play: <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Felt Bar &amp; Eatery" data-vars-click-url="https://feltslc.com/" data-vars-content-id="c1197452-e2a0-42ec-b1c0-d8c36fc395ff" data-vars-headline="Salt Lake City chefs named James Beard finalists" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://feltslc.com/" target="_blank">Felt Bar &amp; Eatery</a>&#x27;s Travis Herbert and <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Urban Hill" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/salt-lake-city/2022/12/16/urban-hill-salt-lake-city-fine-dining-opens" data-vars-content-id="c1197452-e2a0-42ec-b1c0-d8c36fc395ff" data-vars-headline="Salt Lake City chefs named James Beard finalists" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/salt-lake-city/2022/12/16/urban-hill-salt-lake-city-fine-dining-opens" target="_self">Urban Hill</a>&#x27;s Nick Zocco are finalists for best chef in the Mountain region, which includes Utah, Colorado, Idaho, Montana and Wyoming.

Food and Drink 🍽

Argentina's Cafe serves up savory baked and fried empanadas

After 30 years, Salt Lake City Chili's is closing

Taco Tuesday: Nico's Restaurant

Marmalade District finds new life in Salt Lake City

Taylorsville's new mocktail supply shop mixes it up