Vessel Kitchen opens at the airport, Pizza Volta closes, and more restaurant openings and closures

Vessel Kitchen opens airport location

Vessel Kitchen has opened a new location at the Salt Lake City International Airport, beating out almost 70 other concepts to snag the coveted spot, according to a news release.

It’s the restaurant chain’s seventh location in Utah, opening in the company’s seventh year in business. Now, Vessel Kitchen’s locations include Concourse A in the airport, its flagship restaurant in Park City, Farmington’s Station Park, 9th and 9th, Sandy, East Sandy and Midvale.

“The fact that we have been entrusted with the opportunity to represent the Utah restaurant scene in our beautiful new airport is an absolute honor,” said Nick Gradinger, Vessel Kitchen’s co-founder, in a statement.

Describing its food as “comfort food made new,” Vessel Kitchen bills itself as offering an upscale vibe and high-quality meals at a price and level of convenience you’d see in a fast-casual restaurant, the release stated.

Unlike Vessel’s typical lunch and dinner menu of tacos, salads and protein-centric entrees, the airport location will offer breakfast to travelers, “with fresh options that disrupt the traditional breakfast scene for guests on the go,” the release said. Visit VesselKitchen.com for more information.

I Heart Mac & Cheese opens first Utah location

If you’re craving macaroni & cheese, I Heart Mac & Cheese is the place for you. And now, the South Florida-based restaurant chain is opening its first location in Utah, according to a news release.

Located at 1287 N. Canyon Creek Parkway in Spanish Fork’s Canyon Creek Shopping Center, the franchise is owned and operated by Cody and Lacy Molyneaux, who live in nearby Payson, the release said.

I Heart Mac & Cheese is known for its customized build-your-own mac & cheese bowls and grilled cheese sandwiches.

Its menu includes items like the lobster & white truffle mac & cheese, Buffalo blue mac & cheese, cheesy broccoli and more. If you want to build your own bowl, you can choose from pasta, quinoa, broccoli, cauliflower or tater tots as your base, then select your protein, cheese and vegetables. Gluten-free and vegan options are available too.

Go to IHeartMacAndCheese.com to see the full menu.

Pizza Volta closes

After less than a year in business, Pizza Volta in Sugar House has closed. In September, the pizzeria’s voicemail message stated: “Due to unforeseen circumstances, we have made the difficult decision to close our restaurant. It has been our pleasure to serve you and our community.”

“Unfortunately, we could not continue to operate under the hardships of the current market conditions,” the message continued. “We apologize for any inconvenience.”

Pizza Volta, which was located in the same building as Wasatch Brew Pub, served a wide variety of made-to-order pizzas and salads, as well as housemade desserts. The house cocktails featured locally sourced spirits, and the charcuterie platter included local meats, cheeses and accoutrements.

The Bake Shop opens

Now open at Kimball Junction in Park City is a new bakery and cafe called The Bake Shop, owned by husband-and-wife team John and Paige Courtney and former U.S. Olympic freeskier Devin Logan.

The Bake Shop is located at 1154 Center Drive, across from the Courtneys’ Chop Shop restaurant.

The menu features several baked items such as croissants, kouign amann, banana bread, Danish, cookies and custom cakes, as well as savory items like breakfast sandwiches on English muffins and seasonal quiche.

To go with your food is pour-over coffee, hot tea and iced drinks on tap. To learn more, visit TheBakeShopParkCity.com.

Coming soon

These establishments are going to be opening soon, according to their applications with the Utah Department of Alcoholic Beverage Services. Stay tuned for more details about these businesses.

Etta Place Cider • projected opening date Oct. 20.

Root’d Cafe in Riverton • projected opening date Oct. 30.

WildFin American Grill • projected opening date mid-November.

Scelto • projected opening date Dec. 1.

Thieves Guild Cidery • projected opening date spring 2024.

More closures

Pago on Main

Mad Greek Too

Chettinad House

Chedda Burger

The Daily

Pig & a Jelly Jar in Holladay

Celeste Ristorante