Dollars and dining: How new restaurants are weathering the recession
The restaurant business is challenging in any economy. In the midst of a recession and downtown Salt Lake construction projects, the risks are even higher.
Yet a handful of independent eateries have sprung up in the last few months. Most aren't the traditional large, sit-down restaurant with a menu spanning several pages. Instead, the newcomers are experimenting with strategies to help them survive, and even thrive in the current economy.
In fact, some owners say the empty buildings, cost-conscious customers and lessened competition work in their favor.
Who knows which of these will be around in five years? Meanwhile, they are spicing up the local dining scene.
Local and organic
"Green" is the new black, and three restaurants have jumped on the "local, organic, sustainable" bandwagon.
Tipica, 314 W. 300 South, takes advantage of space at Tony Caputo's Market & Deli that's empty at night. Business is bustling during the lunch hour, but it dies down after 3 p.m., noted Matt Caputo. So Wednesday through Saturday evenings, the deli is transformed with white tablecloths and fine china. Billowy curtains hide counters and shopping aisles, and the dock door opens up for a semi-alfresco dining experience.
"Tipica" is the greatest compliment you can pay an Italian chef, Caputo said; it means your food captures the soul and traditions of a region.
Tipca is part of restaurant-supported agriculture, or an RSA, with local Bell Organics farm. The restaurants buy a share in the farm, and each week, they receive a portion of whatever is harvested.
So Tipica's menu changes with what produce comes in, backed up by ingredients from Caputo's market.
"People may not be able to show their friends the incredible pasta they had the week before," said Caputo. "But we know the difference in a tomato from a garden and a tomato that comes from a supply chain."
Meats are sourced from small, local, sustainable farms, fish from 100-percent sustainably fished or farmed stock. Pasta is made from organic semolina and free-range eggs.
"We will never put one morsel on the menu that came from a conventional big farm," said Caputo.
Recent comments
Wiseguys is an awful place to go. Poor service, average food, same...
Amy | Oct. 10, 2009 at 12:28 a.m.
All of a sudden Utah wakes up to discover local food and the...
truthinfood | Aug. 1, 2009 at 11:13 p.m.
For including the phone numbers & addresses. Article wasn't real...
thax | June 3, 2009 at 8:31 p.m.
- Djokovic beats Nadal at ATP Finals 12:28 p.m.
- Miss. teen follows where mission leads 12:17 p.m.
- Kennedy center seeking China teachers 12:17 p.m.
- Guatemalan Mormons serve children 12:16 p.m.
- Study looks at braces for scoliosis 11:49 a.m.
- Tips for trimming the tree 11:47 a.m.
- Video game expands alien world 11:46 a.m.
- Robotic hamsters are new craze 11:36 a.m.
- Your holidays on a budget 11:35 a.m.
- Buck Rogers' serial again on DVD 11:34 a.m.
- BYU would like friendlier rivalry
262 - Protests against Phoenix LDS temple
211 - RSL wins MLS Cup on penalty kicks
202 - Bronco, Kyle rubber match
139 - Thunder rolls by Jazz
136 - Letters: Rushing to judge Palin
133 - Boys basketball rankings
120 - Editorial: Poor welcome for Palin
112 - Man trapped in Nutty Putty cave dies
104 - Hall, Johnson matchup key
102
Unlike you, "their" implies both democrats and republicans. Unlike you, I...
I think its really irresponsible to take scouts there.
In 2003 and 2004, I visited every residence in Clearfield City twice in my...
I have cringed everytime he gets the ball for the past two years, but can't...
As one of Jane's many friends, I want to tell you how much I loved this...
Hall will choke again. He has no composure. A little pressure and he gets...
The only way BwhineU wins 10 games this season is if they win their bowl...
Guess this writer is living in fantasy land. LaVelle wanted the darker blue...
Sorry to burst your bubble. New York, New Orleans and Los Angeles would not...
No way WSU is good enough to beat BYU in provo this year, and I'm a WSU fan....



