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Despite the weak economic recovery and the threat of a lost NBA season for the Utah Jazz, three restaurants are either opening or changing locations at The Gateway mall in downtown Salt Lake City.
Two eateries will be making their debuts against the backdrop of the NBA lockout feud, which could keep thousands of Jazz fans away from the adjacent EnergySolutions Arena for more than 40 nights of games. Of course, the mall's operator and the restaurant owners would rather not face the prospect of losing those big-money evenings, but they're determined to make the most of it.
"Like many fans and businesses in NBA markets around the country, we are hopeful that they can work something out," said Heather Nash, The Gateway's director of marketing. "With that being said, we are working on additional marketing plans and promotions to keep people coming to The Gateway. There are still many reasons to visit [the mall] and downtown throughout the year."
The Gateway, which debuted in 2001, has experienced at least four restaurant closings since the economic downturn began in late 2007, but has seen its share of openings, as well. The fact that EnergySolutions Arena also hosts a mix of concerts and other shows, and that the mall has its own attractions (including Clark Planetarium, The Discovery Gateway children's museum and a successful movie theater) have contributed to consistent foot traffic.
Tim Ryan doesn't want the NBA season to go away just as he prepares to open his 'Bout Time Pub & Grill on Sept. 6 at The Gateway.
Although things won't be the same without Jazz fans, he points out that the sports bar can turn to college ball, other sporting events and NASCAR to entertain customers. All six of his locations are outfitted with high-definition video equipment to carry pro football, baseball and soccer channels, as well as featuring interactive entertainment, arcade games and billiards tables.
'Bout Time Pub & Grill is opening on the mall's upper level at 169 S. Rio Grande, where Costa Vida Fresh Mexican Grill once was.
Costa Vida is moving down a level at the mall, to 190 S. 400 West, where McGrath's Fish House operated before closing in 2010. Costa Vida, which closed Aug. 13, is expected to reopen within the next eight weeks.
"We're excited about moving to the main level. It will better serve our customers," said Brad Davis, president of Abundant Brands, which operates 10 of Costa Vida's 33 locations.
With restaurant sales tax revenue up across the state in the first quarter after several down years, Abundant Brands also is planning to expand from Salt Lake County, opening two locations in St. George and 16 additional restaurants in the Phoenix area.
The second new restaurant at The Gateway, Wing Nutz, is set to open in October at 188 S. Rio Grande St., next to Jason's Deli in the space once occupied by The Counter, which closed in 2009 after a short run.
Wing Nutz's expansion will bring the number of the Bountiful-based restaurants to 12 locations in Utah and two in Idaho. Its first restaurant opened in fall 2008 in South Jordan.
Partner Will Miller credits the growth to the restaurant's healthier offerings. He points to wings that are baked, not fried or breaded; ruffled potato slices, dubbed buffalo chips, that contain no more calories than a baked potato; and entrees such as smoked salmon.
The changes at The Gateway are in contrast to the closings in February 2010 of McGrath's, which got behind on its rent, and of the Skybox Sports Grill last November, which had similar issues. Inland Real Estate Group of Companies, which operates the shopping center, has not been able to lease the Skybox space.
The moves come as restaurant sales appear to be picking up in Utah. The most recent figures available are for the first quarter, in which sales tax receipts were up 4.6 percent from the same period last year. In Salt Lake County, tax revenue for the first quarter increased 3.6 percent, up from $358 million to nearly $371 million.
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Inland Real Estate Group of Companies
The commercial real-estate company operates four properties in Utah:
The Gateway (shopping center portion only), 41 S. Rio Grande, Salt Lake City
Draper Crossing shopping center, 148 E. 12300 South, Draper
American Express office building, 4315 S. 4700 West, West Valley City
Promenade at Red Cliff Mall, 245 N. Red Cliffs Drive, St. George