austin

Austin

chicago

Chicago

denver

Denver

lasvegas

Las Vegas

madison

Madison

nashville

Nashville

philly

Philly

pittsburgh

Pittsburgh

portland

Portland

saltlake

Salt Lake

seattle

Seattle

twincities

Twin Cities

We make podcasts and newsletters that connect people with the cities they love.

City Cast Salt Lake

Terina Ria

Shelby Hintze

Utah really likes to have wars for some reason and they usually play out on billboards. So in honor of Rivalry Week aka Holy War game next week, do you know where collegiate allegiances lie for some of the state’s biggest retail competitors? P.S. Julia Reagan earned a Ph.D from the U!

Swig or Thirst? Take our quiz and guess which of Utah’s biggest business rivals were founded by BYU or University of Utah alumni.


 BYU or Utah? Guess Where Utah’s Business Founders Went to College

Keep It Local

Sign up for Keep It Local from City Cast Salt Lake

This year’s Brigham Young University vs. University of Utah rivalry game is on 

 in Salt Lake City. If you’re planning a watch party at home, why not take the rivalry a step further by serving snacks from businesses founded by your team’s alumni? It’s a delicious way to show your school spirit, and if your team loses, at least the food will be good.

Start the morning with pastries from The Kolache Place. 

The game kicks off at 10 a.m., which means breakfast is a must. Ross Hruska, a 2014 BYU finance graduate, founded 

Hruska’s Kolaches, now The Kolache Place

, in Provo with his siblings Cory and Devin in 2014. They brought their Texas family’s love of Czech pastries to Utah, offering sweet and savory fillings wrapped in soft, pillowy dough. The raspberry and cream cheese kolache even 

earned a spot on “Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives.”

The only hot dog I’ll even consider eating: J. Dawgs.

 in 2004 while attending BYU, turning a rundown shack near campus into a hot dog stand after pawning his favorite guitar to fund the business. What started as a student’s entrepreneurial gamble has grown into a Utah favorite with eight locations across the state, catering options, and another signature sauce to add to the Utah Sauce Hall of Fame.

Cookies for celebrating or drowning your sorrows.

 Say what you will, but the BYU grads know their way around a baked good. Utah County fans can pre-order cookies, including my favorite sugar cookies topped with Italian buttercream, from 

 offers inventive flavors that go well beyond your standard chocolate chip. And don’t let the louder cookie competitors distract you: A little more time actually baking a cookie can be just as valuable as opening another storefront. (I told you I wanted to trash talk!)

 traces its roots to 1982, when 8-year-old Joel Clark sold his mother’s homemade pancake mix from a red wagon. His brother and fellow Ute, Jon, founded the company in 1995, and Joel took over in 1997 while studying economics at the U. Today, Kodiak Cakes is known for its whole-grain 

, making it a fitting breakfast option for fans who want to fuel up before kickoff.

Classic pizza and burgers from Hires Big H and Litzas Pizza. 

University of Utah graduate Don Hale opened 

 in 1959, and has built a local following for its burgers, fries, and old-school drive-in atmosphere. He later founded 

 after deciding Salt Lake City needed better pies. I’m happy to report that both remain personal favorites.

Chips, salsa, guacamole, and queso from Cafe Rio. 

 is a University of Utah graduate, though he is no longer involved with the company. I tried the 

 recently, and I have to say, it’s getting closer to its former glory. I couldn’t find a confirmed University of Utah or BYU connection for Costa Vida’s ownership, so you don’t have to let alma mater sway your opinion on which restaurant makes the better sweet pork salad.

Hosting a Brigham Young University vs. University of Utah watch party on Nov. 7? Serve kolaches, J. Dawgs, Kodiak Cakes, and Cafe Rio from businesses founded by each team’s alumni.


Holy War 2026: Game Day Snacks From BYU and U of U Alumni

Eat Your Way Through the Holy War

Did you overestimate your ability to make gifts for everyone on your holiday list? That’s OK! Take a class, learn a new skill, or at least block off a couple of hours to work uninterrupted with someone to help you along the way. You get a new skill; your loved one gets a gift.

: Are you feeling the call of your inner Nick Offerman? Take a four-week-long intro to turning course at 

 and leave with four gift-worthy projects. You can also learn to use the woodshop at Make Salt Lake and 

 Go solo or with friends to make your own candle at 

Get a kit with all the supplies to make five cards and then actually MAKE THEM at the 

. A set of ready-made cards for multiple occasions is an awesome gift to your most thoughtful friend.

. Your impending late-night breakdown over a broken needle while you finish all these other projects thanks you.

Make a cutting board, a leather journal, or a set of handmade cards for someone special while picking up a new skill at these local workshops.

Craft Classes in Salt Lake City to Make Holiday Gifts

This article is sponsored by Rocky Mountain Power.

Test Your Energy-Saving Knowledge

Tips and tricks for living your best Salt Lake City life, by locals, for locals.

Salt Lake Life Hacks

If this is the year you vowed to make all your Christmas gifts, I have some bad news: You have about 60 days. The good news? Utah has a long crafting tradition, and the local crafting community is ready to help.

So grab your shopping list, clear some space on the dining room table, and prepare to develop a very specific new personality trait. Let’s get making!

Needlepoint, Cross-Stitch, and Embroidery

Yes, there’s a difference. And I was reminded that if I confused any of them, I’d get emails.

 in Midvale offer modern takes on this classic craft. Both carry canvases, threads, and other supplies, plus classes for all skill levels. If you finish a project and have absolutely no idea what to do with it next, check out 

 on Instagram for local finishing services.

For patterns, kits, and supplies, I love the selection at 

 in Gardner Village. It’s also a massive quilting store with tons of kits, fabric, quilting notions, and knowledgeable staff. Shout out to the employee who called me brave for buying a tough cross-stitch pattern as my first project. No, I haven’t finished it yet.

Any good sewist knows not all fabric stores will have what you need for your specific project.

 for high-quality apparel fabric, patterns, specialty tools, and everything you need to make something for your friend’s closet.

 For a huge selection, your go-to should be the 

 in West Jordan. I also love the curation at 

 in Provo. Fair warning: You’ll probably leave with fabric for a project you weren’t planning to make. That’s just how it works. Accept it.

 If you’re planning to make a bag for someone on your list, I’d recommend 

 in Salt Lake City. Choosing the fabric is the fun part, but don’t forget the stabilizers, hardware, and straps.

Scrapbooking has gotten a rebrand as junk journaling, and the wood crafts my mom made at Relief Society are making a comeback.

Support Utah-based businesses and shop online from 

 for coordinated collections of paper, stickers, and embellishments.

For classic scrapbooking supplies, check out 

 in Orem (note: the store is not wheelchair accessible). Despite not being a traditional scrapbooking store, I also love 

 in Murray offers unfinished wood projects, seasonal decor, and kits for the kinds of crafts you might remember from childhood.

Whether you’re making bracelets for everyone you know or attempting a pair of earrings that look like they belong in a boutique, these shops can help you find the supplies to make it happen. For walls of beads, findings, and tools, check out 

I know there are a million other craft stores I missed (I didn’t even TOUCH on knitting and crocheting!).

My Happy Place

What’s Your Favorite Craft Store?

Utah has a long crafting tradition, and the local crafting community is ready to help. Here’s where to buy craft supplies for DIY gifts.

Utah Craft Stores for Handmade Christmas Gifts

Utah’s Craft Stores to the Rescue (Because Christmas Is Coming)

For small businesses, it’s not always about selling you something. Sometimes, the goal is to also bring people together — through classes, book readings, seasonal celebrations, and events that turn strangers into regulars. (Of course, if you want to spend a little money while you’re there, no one’s going to complain.)

Whether you’re a corporate baddie (or a corporate saddie) looking for an excuse to leave the house, a parent trying to keep the kids entertained over fall break, or just someone who thinks autumn is best spent out in the community, Salt Lake businesses have plenty going on. Here’s what to add to your weekend agenda.

 On Saturday, Oct. 17, The Gateway will host a full day of author conversations, panels, signings, and local vendors from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. There’s also a dedicated kids’ stage and storytimes, like with the author of “How to Escape a Playdate.” General admission is free, though select events require tickets. I am going to stock up on books from 

 in the valley. Even if you and the kids have already been to a pumpkin patch this season, run them ragged here anyway and snap cute pictures while you’re at it. Plus, the swings, bean pool, and slides are free with $2 wagon rides, seven days a week. P.S. Check out the 

 for great home decor, local foodstuffs, and see if you can get some love from the shop cat!

 experience for older kids or wimpy adults (guilty). Go trick-or-treating through the haunted house: Same decor and lighting as the main attraction, but nothing is jumping out at you.

Debauchery for Students, Singles, and DINKs

 The Salt Lake Book Festival is for grown-ups, too. Browse independent vendors, catch an author conversation, or make Friday night’s 

Prologue at the Salt Lake City Public Library

 your literary pregame. The kickoff includes an adult spelling bee and a rooftop party with drinks, dancing, and authors.

 at Studio at Soundwell, featuring vintage horror movie decor, spooky cocktails, themed bites, DJs, tarot, and weekly scary-oke. Plus, check out the daytime 

Bring your sense of humor to Crone’s Hollow

 for BYOC Comedy: Bring Your Own Cauldron, featuring 

, and magical mischief. The show is free, but there’s a suggested donation for the performers.

Keep the kids busy with a no-scare haunted house and pumpkin patch, or treat yourself to scary-oke, witchy comedy, and a rooftop book festival party.

Salt Lake Fall Break Guide: Pumpkin Patches to Parties

Fall Break for the Pumpkin Patch Crowd and the Party Crowd

Because sometimes you just want to support Utah-based small businesses from the comfort of your couch. Here’s what I’m eyeing right now.

 from Harmony is giving me “Over the Garden Wall” 

I will read anything by Barbara Kingsolver, so I’m excited to get her new book, 

I’m loving the trend of teeny buttons on a cardigan, and this 

Peach Dragonfruit gummies from Swedish Moose

I allow myself one new candle each fall, and as a proud Rose Park resident, I think I need this 

. Buying candles online is risky, but I need to represent my neighborhood!

Cafe Rio…beauty products? Look, I’m intrigued. Idaho-based Poppy and Pout has teamed up with the iconic Salt Lake City brand. I might have to try the mint limeade-inspired 

 lip balm. Although I think I would prefer a Tomatillo Ranch flavor.

My Salt Lake shopping list

🛍️ What are you buying locally this month? Tell us!

Because sometimes you want to support Utah-based small businesses from the comfort of your couch. Here’s what we’re eyeing right now.

Utah Small Businesses to Shop Online This October

Add to Cart: October Edition

) — the best way to experience Salt Lake is through the eyes of someone who lives here. Yep, that’s me! Here’s how I’d spend a day around town.

, an SLC staple. My go-to is the browned-butter caramel latte. Or catch 

, a monthly pop-up. Their next gathering is on Oct. 25 at 1809 West Temple. Grab a pastry, sandwich, or tartine at 

, a 10,000-square-foot warehouse packed with vintage finds, or explore the oddities at the newly opened 

, just in time for Halloween. Then bring some Y2K fashion home from 

 created by the owner of Kissing Whiskey Vintage. This handy directory features over 175 vintage shops.

, an independent record shop tucked inside a historic 1930s home. They’re open Wednesday through Sunday from noon to 6 p.m.

, which features 28 distinct gardens representing countries from around the world.

, a communal bathhouse where you can cycle between saunas, cold plunge, and warm pool. Then enjoy Northern Indian cuisine for dine-in or takeout at 

, which just received recognition by the Michelin Guide.

Explore Salt Lake City with a local’s guide to the best coffee shops, vintage stores, restaurants, and hidden gems.

A Local's Guide to Salt Lake City Fall 2026

A Local's Guide to Salt Lake City

Everything to know about Salt Lake City neighborhoods: Where to go, eat, shop, drink, and more.

Salt Lake Neighborhood Guides

Neighborhood Guides

Only true local news nerds will ace this one. See how well you’re paying attention to the headlines. Every answer can be found in recent editions of the newsletter. 

Salt Lake June News Crossword Puzzle

What Salt Lakers have been wondering. We break down why things in Salt Lake City are the way they are and how they work.

Salt Lake, Explained

Twenty-seven years ago today, a destructive tornado tore through downtown Salt Lake City and left behind an unusual piece of history: a desk. In honor of the anniversary, we’re looking back at that story and a few other Utah deep cuts.

On Aug. 11, 1999, an F2 tornado in Salt Lake City killed one person, injured more than 80, and damaged 300 buildings and homes. Salvaged wood from uprooted trees at the Capitol was turned into a “tornado desk” that now sits in the Governor’s Ceremonial Office. Then-first lady Jacalyn Leavitt even 

turned the story into a children’s book

 in 2001, with tickets starting at just $29. Fair organizers at the time loved booking “rising stars,” including the likes of NSYNC and Britney Spears.

 at the Outlets at Traverse Mountain’s 2013 Christmas tree lighting. What are the chances we’ll get her for the 13th anniversary?

In May 1972, Salt Lake man Michael Hansen 

 in protest of the Vietnam War, and redirected it on a Salt Lake City → Los Angeles → Dallas → Tampa → Havana joy ride.

From Salt Lake’s tornado desk to Destiny’s Child at the State Fair, revisit four surprising moments from Utah history.

4 Utah History Facts You Probably Didn’t Know

Utah Deep Cuts You Should Know About

Ice cream is a yearlong treat but especially satisfying when the weather gets warm. As we head into summer, put your knowledge to the test: Do you know where you can find these frozen delicacies?

Spring in Salt Lake means blooming trees, warmer days, and that unmistakable smell. Test your knowledge on the city’s most notorious tree. 

Test Your Salt Lake Knowledge

Name That Ice Cream

Test your memory with our mini news crossword. Every clue comes straight from a recent City Cast Salt Lake newsletter!

Salt Lake April News Crossword Puzzle

Think you know what it costs to live in Salt Lake City? Take our quiz and guess the rent on these local listings.

Guess the Rent in Salt Lake City

Maybe you skim the news, maybe you read everything: see how much stuck with this week’s mini news crossword.

Hint: Find the answers in recent City Cast Salt Lake newsletters.

Salt Lake March News Crossword Puzzle

Lately, I’ve seen a number of Australian-style coffee shops in Salt Lake City popping up on my feed. But what even is Australian coffee?

“Australian coffee” isn’t necessarily a specific bean or roast, it’s more about the culture. Instead of chains, Australia’s coffee culture evolved through neighborhood cafes, with baristas focusing on quality and craft. It’s no wonder they fit right into Salt Lake City’s independent coffee scene.

If there is one drink that represents Australian coffee the most, it’s the flat white (though Australia and New Zealand both claim to have invented it). A flat white is made with espresso and finely frothed milk for a signature silky texture. Compared to a typical American latte, it’s stronger and contains a lot less milk.

Generally, flavored syrups aren't as common. But if you want something sweet try an iced coffee, which is espresso, milk, and ice cream. And if you’re in Tyra Banks’ Australia (aka Sydney) you can get a 

Where To Find Australian Coffee in Salt Lake

: One of the newest coffee shops in Millcreek. They take the laid back approach to Aussie coffee culture. Plus, they have a sick kookaburra mural, so you know they’re legit.

An Australian-owned restaurant in Park City that serves Aussie-style iced coffee (cold brew nitro and ice cream).

: With locations in Salt Lake City and Sandy, the founder has over 20 years of coffee experience that started in Sydney. You’ll find flat whites and iced coffee here.

: An Australian-style coffee truck, on a brief hiatus while the owner (a professional rugby player) plays rugby in Boston. But they’re set to reopen in the summer. Bonus: They 

What Is Australian Coffee?

Where To Try Australian Coffee in Salt Lake

This winter has been the warmest in Salt Lake City history, but that’s not the only thing we have in the record books. Think you know what other records SLC holds? Test your knowledge in our mini crossword.

A Mini Crossword of Salt Lake’s Record-Breaking Moments

Are you keeping up with Salt Lake news? See how much stuck with this week’s mini crossword.

Pssst: You’ll find the answers in recent 

Salt Lake, Explained

Salt Lake June News Crossword Puzzle

Terina Ria

Share article

Salt Lake, Explained

Utah Deep Cuts You Should Know About

Name That Ice Cream

Salt Lake April News Crossword Puzzle

Guess the Rent in Salt Lake City

Salt Lake March News Crossword Puzzle

Where To Try Australian Coffee in Salt Lake

A Mini Crossword of Salt Lake’s Record-Breaking Moments

Salt Lake February News Crossword Puzzle

The latest in Salt Lake

BYU or Utah? Guess Where Utah’s Business Founders Went to College

Eat Your Way Through the Holy War

Craft Classes in Salt Lake City to Make Holiday Gifts

Test Your Energy-Saving Knowledge

Utah’s Craft Stores to the Rescue (Because Christmas Is Coming)

Fall Break for the Pumpkin Patch Crowd and the Party Crowd

Add to Cart: October Edition

A Local's Guide to Salt Lake City