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This is Chris Redgrave for Zions Bank Speaking on Business.
As fry sauce is to Utah so kolaches are to Texas . . . or so I've been told. But until Johnny Boots started his business, Johnny Kolache, a couple years ago, they were nowhere to be found in Utah.
A kolache is the Czech version of the empanada. They're made with delicious Czech bread and filled with meats, cheese, vegetables or even fruit. And Johnny's secret is out since most days he sells completely out of his kolaches. They're so popular that even when he puts the sign outside his Salt Lake store at 248 W. 900 South telling customers he's sold out, people still ask for them.
Once you taste a kolache you'll understand why. I tried the pulled pork on a recent visit and loved it. You don't want to miss the cinnamon rolls either. If you're interested in bringing a treat for the whole office, try the Blob. This is a huge cinnamon roll covered with gobs of icing. You've got to see this restaurant. The walls are covered with writing, notes from satisfied customers who are grateful Johnny brought kolaches to Utah.
He's a transplant from Houston, Texas. A self-classified "dude's dude," Johnny came to visit in 1992 and loved the wealth of outdoor opportunities in Utah. So he moved here. He's not the only one since Utah's ski resorts have been rated as some of the best in the nation, and two Utah cities are among the Top Places to Live in the U.S.
The idea for the business came after Johnny's nephew visited four years ago. He wanted to get a kolache after a long day of skiing, and of course there were none to be found. He suggested his uncle make them. Johnny tried several recipes before finding the one that sent his taste buds back to his childhood.
He met his business partner, Chris Ladd, on the golf course, and the two immediately connected. Chris runs the operation side of the business while Johnny is over creativity.
For Zions Bank, I'm Chris Redgrave, speaking on business.
