🍗 Pretty Bird heads west

About one year after a devastating fire burned down a stretch of businesses on downtown Salt Lake City’s Main Street, the block is starting to come back to life. Two businesses have reopened, another is aiming to come back this year, and a major development is taking shape.

• What happened? On Aug. 11, 2025, a fire broke out at the London Belle restaurant in downtown Salt Lake City, destroying five businesses and damaging others along Main Street. Around 70 firefighters responded to the blaze. [KUTV]
• Who’s back in business? White Horse and Eva have reopened and are serving customers again. The fire left more than 150 employees out of work, but community fundraising efforts ultimately generated nearly $250,000 to support affected workers. [KSL]
• What’s ahead? Whiskey Street is under construction and expected to reopen by the end of the year, this time with a redesigned space and rooftop bar. And in July, Salt Lake City approved a $2 million loan to help build a new four-story, mixed-use building where London Belle and Los Tapatios once stood. [ABC 4]

Sweetgreen’s Grand Opening

The first Sweetgreen in Utah finally has an opening date: Tuesday, Sept. 8. The popular chain, known for salads, bowls, and wraps, has more than 200 locations nationwide. [Salt Lake Tribune]

Airbnb vs. SLC

Airbnb sent Salt Lake City a cease-and-desist letter over how they’re enforcing their new short-term rental rules, accusing city officials of using fake guest accounts to catch violations. [Salt Lake Tribune]

Pretty Bird Heads West

Pretty Bird is flying the coop: The fried chicken chain is opening its first out-of-state location in Los Angeles — a fitting expansion for chef and founder Viet Pham, who grew up in California. [KSL]

Medicaid Program Faces Shortfall

Utah’s Medicaid program is facing a $100 million to $200 million budget shortfall, according to the Utah Department of Health & Human Services. While there have been no changes in benefits, a spokesperson said, it’s likely the state Legislature will cover the gap. [FOX 13]

Draper Wedding Guests Wanted

Do you love weddings and have $100 lying around? Considering applying to be a guest at a wedding in Draper on Aug. 24! We talk through this business proposition on today's podcast. [City Cast Salt Lake 🎧]

• Community & Economic Development Coordinator at NeighborWorks Salt Lake | $26 - $29 per hour
• Visitor Services Attendant at Utah Museum of Contemporary Art | $14.50 - $16.50 per hour
• AmeriCorps Program Specialist at UServeUtah | $19 - $33 per hour
• Multimedia Sales Rep at City Weekly
• Data & Government Grant Coordinator at the Rape Recovery Center | $25 - $26 per hour
• Seasonal Fuels Crew Member at Sandy Fire Department | $19 per hour
• Development Associate at ACLU Utah | $62K - $80K per year