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This is Chris Redgrave for Zions Bank Speaking on Business.
It was a progressive move in 1981 for Pete Henderson to open one of the first businesses on the west side of Salt Lake City. Today, his restaurant, Rio Grande Café, at 4th West and 3rd South, is a Salt Lake City classic.
Customers of this Mexican restaurant love the quality and consistency of the food. That's why Operations Manager Allison Cunha says they have regulars who dine with them three or four times a week. And some of their servers have been on board for many years, so regulars ask for their servers by name. That's impressive with a staff of up to 35 employees contributing to Utah's thriving restaurant industry.
It all started in Park City when Pete Henderson met Jean, his wife-to-be, while working at the Utah Coal and Lumber Mexican restaurant. He was a cook and Jean waited tables. They fell in love and combined their natural talent and appreciation for the restaurant business to open the Rio Grande Café in downtown Salt Lake City. Although Pete is partially retired, the restaurant is still family-owned.
Some of the can't miss items here include the carnitas, tamales and the Santa Fe enchiladas, with the cheese enchilada as the most popular item by far. Every Friday evening Rio Grande Cafe offers fresh fish as a special, and customers love that too. Menu changes are on the horizon, like lighter fare dishes, and they've also added gluten-free options. Rio Grande Café has received many awards and recognition over the years from Utah's Top 100 to Best Family Restaurant to the latest from City Weekly, the Best Shuttle Service to the Jazz Game.
Rio Grand Café is probably one of the first restaurants to display artwork from local Utah artists. The local artists can charge a reasonable price because it doesn't cost them to hang the art, so the deal is passed directly to the buyer.
Allison anticipates operations will continue to grow and improve at Salt Lake's classic Rio Grande Café as more people discover this popular lunch and dinner destination.
For Zions Bank, I'm Chris Redgrave, speaking on business.
Rio Grande Café 270 S. Rio Grande St. Salt Lake City, UT 84101 801-364-3302
